candor

[ kan-der ]

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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of candor¹

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

Example Sentences

Squid Game’s Hwang hopes his candor over his own pay struggles will initiate that change.

From BBC

To a person, their answers were offered in a spirit of friendliness and candor, facilitating a better understanding of their motivations.

From Salon

“But a lawyer, it’s even more dangerous…That’s why we have serious repercussions for those who violate the duty of candor.”

From Salon

A staunch enemy like that may never evolve, but in a scene of candor with Zurawski’s parents, her lifelong Republican mom calls herself “a changed person” politically because of her daughter’s ordeal.

From Los Angeles Times

She has approached the subject with her typical candor, speaking openly about using the weight-loss drug.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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