candor

American  

[kan-der] / ˈkæn dər /

especially British, candour

noun

1. the state or quality of being frank, open, and sincere in speech or expression; candidness.

   The candor of the speech impressed the audience.

2. freedom from bias; fairness; impartiality.

   to consider an issue with candor.

   Synonyms:

   truthful, honesty, frankness, openness

3. Obsolete. kindliness.

4. Obsolete. purity.

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Etymology

Origin of candor

First recorded in 1350–1400 (for sense “extreme whiteness”); Middle English, from Latin: “radiance, whiteness”; candid, -or ¹

Example Sentences

The director’s memoir confronts his own appetites with candor.

From The Wall Street Journal

It was a confusing moment for Patrick and viewers, but his candor and decision to wear his heart on his sleeve made him more sympathetic.

From Los Angeles Times

It is an argument for candor and deliberate countermeasures.

From The Wall Street Journal

Executives embraced radical candor, paid staff handsomely and viewed high turnover as a sign of success.

From The Wall Street Journal

Her candor offers rare visibility into a disability that often progresses quietly and privately for millions.

From Salon

Related Words

• directness
• fairness
• frankness
• honesty
• outspokenness
• probity
• simplicity
• sincerity
• truthfulness