candid

American  

[kan-did] / ˈkæn dɪd /

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.

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noun

1. an unposed photograph.

candid British  

/ 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

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Related Words

See frank ¹.

Other Word Forms

• candidly adverb
• candidness noun
• pseudocandid adjective
• quasi-candid adjective
• subcandid adjective
• supercandid adjective
• uncandid adjective

Etymology

Origin of candid

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

Example Sentences

"Our candid and constructive discussions focus on the evolving regional situation and advancing peace and stability, while strengthening our partnership and deepening cooperation," he wrote on X.

From Barron's

It’s more a candid assessment of what the technology can actually do.

From The Wall Street Journal

At times their own desires and tastes take a backseat to the demands of others, and Nguyen also captures moments when candid feelings of frustration and ambivalence slip through.

From Salon

We collected candid, untelevised moments from the Academy Awards, where our reporters witnessed more of the endgame of a long season.

From Los Angeles Times

After a decade of dilemmas, debates and candid conversations, the hosts of The Receipts Podcast are stepping down.

From BBC

Related Words

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