candid

[ kan-did ]

adjective

1. frank; outspoken; open and sincere:

   a candid critic.

   Synonyms: plain, straightforward, guileless, ingenuous

2. free from reservation, disguise, or subterfuge; straightforward:

   a candid opinion.

3. informal; unposed

   a candid photo.

4. honest; impartial:

   a candid mind.

5. Archaic. white.
6. Archaic. clear; pure.

noun

1. an unposed photograph.

candid

/ ˈkændɪd /

adjective

1. frank and outspoken

   he was candid about his dislike of our friends

2. without partiality; unbiased
3. unposed or informal

   a candid photograph

4. obsolete.
   1. white
   2. clear or pure

Derived Forms

• ˈcandidness, noun
• ˈcandidly, adverb

Other Words From

• can·did·ly adverb
• can·did·ness noun
• pseu·do·can·did adjective
• qua·si-can·did adjective
• sub·can·did adjective
• su·per·can·did adjective
• un·can·did adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of candid¹

First recorded in 1620–30; (from French candide ) from Latin candidus “shining white,” equivalent to cand(ēre) “to be shining white” (akin to incense ¹ ) + -idus -id ⁴

Word History and Origins

Origin of candid¹

C17: from Latin candidus white, from candēre to be white

Synonym Study

See frank ¹.

Example Sentences

While the Hollywood power couple has previously poked fun at their romance, Krasinski got candid about their marriage, telling the magazine he is “so lucky.”

From Los Angeles Times

As Luke Evans reveals in his candid memoir titled “Boy From the Valleys,” musical theater, singing lessons and friends in helpful places eased his way to London’s West End and then movie and TV stardom.

From Los Angeles Times

She was the candid cutup they’d like to have on speed-dial.

From Los Angeles Times

Among them is a candid shot of Slater — who plays Boq, of Munchkinland — carrying the train of Grande’s Glinda-inspired Vivienne Westwood gown as she makes her way down the stairs at Sydney’s State Theatre.

From Los Angeles Times

The 28-year-old actor got candid about the next phase of her career, motherhood and the factors that led to her U.K. homecoming following a contentious split with the “Cake by the Ocean” pop star last year.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• blunt
• forthright
• impartial
• outspoken
• sincere
• straightforward
• truthful
• unbiased
• unequivocal