candidly
Americanadverb
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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.
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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.
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fairly and impartially; honestly.
“Look at these matters candidly, Mr. Editor,” wrote one subscriber.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of candidly
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Amid their post-”Love Island USA” fame, Olandria and Vansteenberghe spoke candidly to Glamour about handling the newfound deluge of popularity, demand and fan love — and how they support each other through it.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 23, 2026
Hana and Yeon-su discovered BTS as they rose to global stardom, but the women felt a kinship with them as they learned of their struggles - something the group spoke and sang about candidly.
From BBC ● Jul. 17, 2026
There were no cameras or recordings and each of the presidents and prime ministers was told to come alone, no phones allowed, for a moment to speak candidly.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 6, 2026
"I'm 44 now, and, candidly, I'm living it," he said, he said of the Dream.
From BBC ● Jul. 2, 2026
“This party. Yes. It will be the perfect setting for me to speak candidly with the ambassador and enlist his help. When and where is it?”
From "The Bletchley Riddle" by Ruta Sepetys and Steve Sheinkin
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
