candidate

American  

[kan-di-deyt, -dit, kan-di-deyt] / ˈkæn dɪˌdeɪt, -dɪt, ˈkæn dɪˌdeɪt /

noun

1. a person who seeks an office, honor, etc..

   a candidate for governor.

2. a person who is selected by others as a contestant for an office, honor, etc.

3. a person who is deserving of or seems destined for a certain end or fate.

   Such a reckless spender is a candidate for the poorhouse.

4. a student studying for a degree.

   Candidates for the B.A. will have to meet certain minimum requirements.

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verb (used without object)

candidated, candidating

1. to become a candidate for service as a new minister of a church; preach before a congregation that is seeking a new minister.

candidate British  

/ -dɪt, ˈkændɪdətʃə, ˈkændɪˌdeɪt, ˈkændɪdəsɪ /

noun

1. a person seeking or nominated for election to a position of authority or honour or selection for a job, promotion, etc

2. a person taking an examination or test

3. a person or thing regarded as suitable or likely for a particular fate or position

   this wine is a candidate for his cellar

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Usage

What does candidate mean? Candidate most commonly means someone who’s seeking to be elected, hired, or appointed to a position, especially a political office or job.The word candidate most commonly refers to a politician seeking election or a person who has applied for a job. But it can be used in several other ways to refer to someone or something under consideration for some kind of treatment or status.Example: We have more than 100 applicants, but almost none of them are qualified candidates for this job.

Other Word Forms

• candidacy noun
• precandidature noun

Etymology

Origin of candidate

First recorded in 1605–15, candidate is from the Latin word candidātus “clothed in white” (adective), “candidate for office” (noun, in reference to the white togas worn by those seeking office); candid, -ate ¹

Example Sentences

Towns can begin submitting their bids now and the strongest candidates will progress to a shortlist, with each shortlisted town receiving £60,000 in funding.

From BBC

When asked who the party's candidate was for first minister, Jones replied it would be "announced very shortly".

From BBC

This unusual phase of water conducts electricity exceptionally well, making it a strong candidate for explaining the strange magnetic fields observed around ice giant planets.

From Science Daily

Unlike presidential elections, statewide contests do not feature running mates; each candidate must be elected on their own merits.

From Los Angeles Times

Against that backdrop, the election has taken on a significance that extends well beyond individual candidates.

From BBC

Related Words

• applicant
• aspirant
• bidder
• competitor
• contender
• contestant
• nominee
• successor