candour
Britishnoun
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the quality of being open and honest; frankness
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fairness; impartiality
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obsolete purity or brightness
Etymology
Origin of candour
C17: from Latin candor, from candēre to be white, shine
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
"I believe he is a man of profound integrity. His unwavering resolve, his composure, his utter candour -- such qualities would grant him spiritual freedom even within prison walls," Ling said.
From Barron's • Feb. 9, 2026
The Labour mayor of West Yorkshire, Tracy Brabin said it was "vital" security services were subject to the duty of candour.
From BBC • Jan. 18, 2026
Labour's manifesto for the 2024 general election said: "Labour will introduce a 'Hillsborough Law' which will place a legal duty of candour on public servants and authorities".
From BBC • Jan. 5, 2026
But it then failed and hurt us further through its lack of candour after the attack.
From BBC • Jan. 5, 2026
Newton replied, thanking Oldenburg ‘for your candour in acquainting me with Mr Hook’s insinuations’ and asking for an opportunity to set the record straight.
From "The Scientists" by John Gribbin
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Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.