Candid

Part of Speech

Adjective

Pronunciation

/ˈkændɪd/

Definitions

• Openly straightforward and honest in expression.
• Free from bias, prejudice, or malice; impartial.
• Informal or unposed, especially referring to a photograph.

Usage Examples

• She gave a candid account of her life experiences, without sugarcoating any details.
• The candidate's candid remarks won the respect of the audience.
• His candid photographs captured the true essence of the moment.

Etymology

From Latin "candidus," meaning "bright, clear, shining," and "candere," meaning "to shine or glow." The original sense was "shining, white," and later evolved to mean "clear, open, or free from deceit." The word has been used in English since the late 16th century to describe honest or straightforward behavior.

Synonyms

• Honest
• Frank
• Open
• Sincere
• Transparent
• Unreserved
• Direct

Antonyms

• Deceptive
• Dishonest
• Reserved
• Guarded
• Secretive

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

• In British English, "candid" is pronounced with a stronger emphasis on the first syllable: /ˈkændɪd/.
• In American English, the pronunciation tends to be softer with a neutral tone: /ˈkændɪd/.

Historical Usage

The word "candid" originally meant "bright, white, or shining" in Latin, coming from the word "candidus." It evolved to describe people who were free from deceit, direct, and open in speech and action. By the 17th century, it had adopted the meaning of openness and honesty, which remains its dominant usage today.

Cultural Nuances

The term "candid" is often seen as a virtue in many cultures, representing transparency, integrity, and honesty. In some contexts, particularly in business and politics, being candid is highly valued as it fosters trust. In contrast, cultures with a high regard for politeness and indirect communication might value a more reserved manner of speech, as candidness can sometimes be seen as blunt or even rude.

More Information

The word "candid" is often associated with being straightforward, unreserved, and truthful, with a positive connotation of sincerity and openness. It is frequently used in everyday conversation to describe a person who speaks without evasion or pretense. The term has also been applied to photographs that are unposed and capture spontaneous moments, further reinforcing the idea of genuineness and authenticity.