Candid
adjective /ˈkændɪd/ — Honest even when it costs something.
Definition
Truthful and straightforward; frank, without being harsh or unkind.
Beyond the definition
Candid occupies the rare space between honesty and consideration. It's not brutal truth or polished softness — it's the version of truth that respects both the speaker and the listener.
Origin & history
From Latin candidus — white, pure, honest (candere 'to shine').
Example sentences
Illustrative sentences for learning, not verified community posts or sourced quotations.
I appreciate your candid assessment — most people would have softened it.
She gave a candid interview that the PR team would have stopped if they'd known.
Being candid with a friend is harder than being kind — sometimes.
How to use it
This entry uses an adjective. Follow the examples for the nouns it describes and its position in the sentence.
Choose “Candid” when the meaning fits your context: Truthful and straightforward; frank, without being harsh or unkind.
Synonyms
frank, honest, direct, forthright, transparent
Antonyms
evasive, dishonest, guarded, diplomatic
Related words
- forthright
- sincere
- transparent
- blunt
Candid vs blunt
Candid implies an honest, transparent, and fair expression of thoughts. Blunt suggests a lack of sensitivity or tact in one's delivery, often causing offense despite the truth.
Word in the Wild
Illustrative story: an imagined scene, not a documented event or interview.
"Does this look good?" she asked.
Her best friend looked at the dress for a long moment. "It's not the right dress," she said. "It's a beautiful dress. But not for you. Not for this."
She went back and bought the other dress. She wore it nine months later to something that mattered. Her friend had been right. She always is.
Questions about this word
What does "Candid" mean?
Candid is adjective meaning: Honest even when it costs something.. Truthful and straightforward; frank, without being harsh or unkind.
Which words express “natural, effortless charm”?
Candid — Honest even when it costs something.
Where does the word "Candid" come from?
From Latin candidus — white, pure, honest (candere 'to shine').