Candid Definition – Meaning and Usage in a Sentence

Let’s face it, we all have misused a word in our speech or writing at one point or another. However, it doesn’t have to be the case with the word “candid.” Whether you’ve heard the word before or you’re reading it here for the first time, this article will discuss all you need to know about the candid definition and meaning to help you use the word correctly.

The term candid means something characterized by open, sincere, or forthright expression. The word also describes something or someone that expresses extreme truthfulness or no form of deceit. “Candid” also means without any partiality or bias. Use the word in any of such circumstances.

Since we’re talking about a word that means truthful and open, this article will tell you everything concerning candid, including its meanings, synonyms, and antonyms and the various ways you can use the word in your everyday contexts. So, without further ado, let’s begin by looking at the different definitions of the word candid.

What Is the Definition of Candid?

By definition, the word candid means open or without reservation or secretiveness. The term also means the state of being forthright, fair, or impartial. The term can also mean informal or unedited.

The word candid is used to describe someone who can give information about a situation regardless of how painful or difficult the information is. Such people tend to be listened to because of enthusiasm for the subject or honesty about the matter at hand. For example, in a sentence: Mary was candid about the cause of the divorce with Ken.

“Candid” can also describe someone who does not hide their true intention. That means someone candid can be trusted since they have no hidden agendas. For instance, “You have to be Candid to stand out in an interview.” It means you have to be true and give the right information about your qualifications.

What Is The Meaning of Candid?

The term candid can also refer to a straightforward or forthright speech. The word can refer to a natural situation, off guard or unscripted.

When someone’s talk is described as candid, their speech is point blank or explicit. Despite the word candid being used in positive or negative situations, it is mainly used to describe speech or behavior that is impromptu or unplanned; thus, it may rub people the wrong way.

Example sentences:

• Gerald and Herbert were fired from their jobs on the radio due to their candid political stands.
• Jeff fears being candid with Rachel because of her violent tendencies.
• The new coach was candid with the front office about getting younger players.

Is Candid a Negative Word?

Describing someone as a candid person means that they tell it like it is and exactly how it is. Someone can be candid when saying positive or negative things, as long as they explicitly say what they think. Thus, the word candid cannot be classified as positive or negative because it can be used in both instances. 

Example sentences:

• The doctor was candid about the couple’s options for getting a child.
• You have to be candid with him about his finances before he goes broke.
• Let’s be candid; the villain has no good reason for attacking and killing innocent civilians.

Is There A Difference Between Candid And Honest?

People define candid as something to the point or not scripted or previously rehearsed. On the other hand, Honest means speaking truthfully, being fair, or not being deceptive. This raises the question, can one be honest and not candid or vice versa?

At first glance, the words candid and honest seem to describe the same thing. These words are also classified as synonyms of each other. However, these two words have different meanings and usage.

When you describe someone as honest, you’re simply saying that they can’t lie or speak truthfully. However, when describing someone as candid, you mean that such a person does not leave anything to the imagination; straightforward and free from prejudice. Note that someone might not lie but be partial.

In addition, it’s also possible for someone to be impartial but be untruthful. Therefore, it’s correct to conclude that honest and candid may be similar but not the same.

How to Use Candid in a Sentence?

The term candid has two other forms: “candidness” as a noun and “candidly” as an adverb. When used as a noun, it refers to the quality or state of being straightforward, frank, or open. When used as an adverb, it defines how a particular action was carried out. 

Here are some sentences explaining the same below:

• Alicia candidly told the court what happened on the night of the murder.
• We apologize for the councilor’s candidness. He claims it helps the couples seeking his help.
• Even though the company has come a long way, we’re still candid about the work we’re yet to do.

Synonyms and Antonyms of Candid 

Sometimes, candid may not be the best word to use in a sentence. You may also want to use the opposite of the word but may lack the word that fits best. Don’t worry; we’ve got you covered by listing down some of the most common synonyms and antonyms that you can use.

Synonyms

• Straightforward (adjective): State of being honest, open, or frank.
• Artless (adjective): Free of any deceit or untruthfulness.
• Sincere (adjective): Without any pretense or being honest.
• Frank (adjective): State of being direct and open in writing or speech.
• Open (adjective): Without any restrictions or limitations.
• Blunt (adjective): A person is plain-spoken or highly forthright.

Antonyms

• Biased (adjective): Unfair partiality for or against something or someone.
• Deceitful (adjective): Involving lying, deceiving, or misleading others.
• Tactful (adjective): Employing a hidden skill to mislead.
• Devious: (adjective): Exhibiting an expert use of hidden tactics to gain an unfair advantage.
• Tricky (adjective): Refers to a person being cunning or crafty.

10 Examples of Candid Usage in a Sentence

We’ve candidly examined the definition and the various usages of the word candid. To better understand how to use the word in your speech, let’s have a look at the ten sentences to help you out. Check them out!

1. President Donald Trump may not have been a man of many things, but he was ever candid in speeches.
2. My parents struggled to have a candid talk about our body changes.
3. Former Manchester United players were very candid while speaking about the recent team’s loss to Manchester City.
4. The school principal made a candid speech to the students in his office about the consequences of bringing drugs to school.
5. I don’t think being candid is a good idea in relationships as it can result in mistrust and constant arguments.
6. Honestly, that presidential candidate had some candid points that I could relate to.
7. The Australian government has been candid with the way it handles immigrants.
8. Stacy accompanied Eric because she did not believe that he would be candid with his daughter on the subject.
9. I don’t know why lecturers aren’t candid with us regarding financial management after college.
10. The outgoing C.F.O was candid about the challenges the company faced and the successes.

How Do You Spell Candid?

According to the International Phonetic Alphabet, the word candid is correctly spelled c.a.n.d.i.d or \ ˈkan-dəd \. But usually, the word is spelled as C-A-N-D-I-D.

The term candid is easy to spell because it does not have double letters. The word also does not have any silent letters that can prove challenging when spelling. It’s important always to know any word’s correct spelling, especially when writing, as it can cause you some embarrassment.

Common combinations of the word “Candid”

• Candid opinion
• Candid photograph
• Candid snapshot
• Candid interview

How Do You Pronounce Candid?

Candid is pronounced kan·duhd. 

It’s essential to know how to pronounce words correctly as it shows your mastery of the English language. For instance, the word candid has British and American pronunciations. Whichever you choose in your speech, make sure you learn and practice it for the best results.

How Many Syllables Are In Candid?

The term candid has two syllables; can-did.

History & Etymology of Candid

According to the Online Etymology Dictionary, the history of the word candid dates back from 1620. The term candidum is the Latin parent word referring to white, bright or pure. It stems from the root word –kand which means shine.

The Latin word is also similar to the French word candide, which was used about someone as frank, open, or truthful. It’s important to note that the term candid is no longer used to refer to as white or pure.

When Was Candid First Used?

The first time the word candid was used to mean direct or without reservation was around the 17th century.

The Online Etymology Dictionary is unclear when the word was first used with its current meaning. However, it approximates to be around 1670.

Conclusion

Candid is a simple word to use in your writing and speech now that you’ve read this article. We hope that our explanation details all you need to know about the word. Remember to use the word frequently and research other words to refine your reading and writing skills.