Candide

[ French kahn-deed ]

noun

1. a philosophical novel (1759) by Voltaire.

Candide

1. A novel of satire by Voltaire , in which a long series of calamities happens to the title character , an extremely naive and innocent young man, and his teacher, Doctor Pangloss. Pangloss, who reflects the optimistic philosophy of Gottfried Wilhelm Leibnitz, nevertheless insists that, despite the calamities, “all is for the best in this best of all possible worlds.”

Example Sentences

"William Wells Brown’s 'Clotel' was the first novel written by an African American, and, in my view, it presents the philosophy of Black liberalism in the form of a story, in a manner akin to Voltaire’s 'Candide.'"

From Salon

It reminded me of the final line of one of my favorite novels, “Candide.”

From Los Angeles Times

Candide lives a life of ease before years of trials and tragedies that leave him increasingly bitter.

From Los Angeles Times

I didn’t mention Voltaire, but “Candide” was on my mind when I asked Flores how he deals with political disappointment.

From Los Angeles Times

They were most impactful in an excerpt of the fourth movement of Mahler’s Fifth Symphony and the overture from Bernstein’s “Candide.”

From Seattle Times