candidly

[kan-did-lee]

adverb

1. in a frank, outspoken, straightforward way; openly and without holding back.

   We created a neutral space where everyone could speak candidly about race issues and also work side-by-side in "co-designing" solutions.

2. without any posing or scripting, and typically without the knowledge of the person being photographed or filmed.

   We are stealing from our subjects when we work candidly—stealing moments, expressions, emotions, positions, and movements.

3. fairly and impartially; honestly.

   “Look at these matters candidly, Mr. Editor,” wrote one subscriber.

Other Word Forms

• pseudocandidly adverb
• quasi-candidly adverb
• subcandidly adverb
• supercandidly adverb
• uncandidly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of candidly¹

candid ( def. ) + -ly

Example Sentences

“The puzzle doesn’t fit together,” said one veteran agent who works in the NIL space, speaking on condition of anonymity so that he could share his thoughts on the situation candidly.

From Los Angeles Times

“The White House has certainly gotten the message, both from agriculture and the food sector, that they are on the edge of a nanny state,” one lobbyist said, speaking anonymously to discuss the conversations candidly.

From Salon

Soon after Suede released its debut album, David Bowie told Anderson candidly: “Your playing and your songwriting’s so good that I know you’re going to be working in music for quite some time.”

From Los Angeles Times

“I felt gross about being in L.A. but also hopeful,” Russell says candidly on the realization that he was one of countless others here trying to make it.

From Los Angeles Times

And we rejoice a little too candidly about the merits of solitude in creative life.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• honestly 
• openly www.thesaurus.com
• sincerely 
• straight-out