How Should We Use the Word “Candor” in a Sentence?

When talking to people, it’s essential not to hurt feelings. But, at the same time, it’s imperative to speak the truth without beating around the bush. In other words, exercise “candor”.

The word “candor” denotes “being sincere, frank, and/or impartial in expression or speech”. It’s another term for “frankness” or “openness”, but their meanings could slightly change. Use the term “candor” in texts to signify forthrightness that’s voluntary and not under duress or circumstantial.

In the modern world, “candor” is a rare trait to see. Even those who appreciate openness and authenticity may not be reserved themselves. Keep reading to learn in greater detail about “candor”, why it’s such a complex trait to possess, how to use it in various texts/contexts, and more.

“Candor” – Meaning

The term “candor” denotes “being honest and affront”. People with candor are forthright and unreserved. They are usually fair and rational. But because candor is essentially speaking out one’s mind, which is subject to its vagaries, an individual with candor could also come across as biased.

The noun “candor” also means “brightness” or “brilliance”. Its ancient meaning “kindliness” is, however, deemed incorrect and not in use anymore.

Terms synonymous with or close to the “candor” in meaning include:

• Bluntness
• Directness
• Candidness
• Frankness
• Plainness
• Outspokenness
• Unguardedness
• Unreservedness, etc.

Not surprisingly, the term is related to or possibly derived from “candid“, which means “frankness in expression or speech” or “straightforward honesty”.

Also, the word is usually paired with adjectives. When used with terms such as “refreshing”, it indicates “candor” is “often not expected”, “a pleasant change from the norm”, or “a shift from vile diplomacy or guarded speech”.

The Term’s Origin

“Candor” has its roots in “candere”, the Latin term that means “to glow or shine”.

“Candor” isn’t the only English term with inspiration in “candere”. Some of the other words include “incandescent”, “candescent”, “candle”, “candent”, and “candid”.

“Candor” in the Workplace

P.S. All of the things mentioned below can apply to people and situations outside of the “professional” environment as offices are just microcosms of the outside or real world.

For a department or team to work effectively and be in perfect sync with each other, communication is essential. And those correspondences should be objective and have “candor”. However, being “honest” and “open” can be challenging – particularly in a professional setting, where people tend to beat around the bush.

“Candor” is more than just being plain and honest. It signifies one’s willingness to step forward or volunteer. In other words, the absence of candor denotes more than just the lack of honesty. The dishonesty is through omission, or the element of truth and directness is ignored intentionally.

Why is “Candor” So Rare in Workplaces or Life in General?

People refrain from speaking their hearts out due to the fear of offending someone or hurting others’ feelings, not getting themselves into trouble, etc. Blunt honesty is not just harsh but could be devastating to hear as well.

There’s also the aspect of wanting to be liked by everybody. When people exhibit candor, not everybody develops good opinions about them – the majority do not. Everybody wants to be liked by as many people as possible or individuals they admire themselves.

Because candor is usually not well-received, people choose not to speak up. In other words, to avoid the harsh light and keep their reputations intact, professionals could act diplomatically or avoid direct interactions.

How to Be “Candid” and Not Cause Collateral Damage?

The key to be open about things with another person and come out unscathed from the situation is to exercise honesty and be meticulous of not offending the person to whom you’re giving a piece of your mind.

On the other hand, organizations must develop tools or programs that protect staff from getting pressured or bullied by senior executives or even colleagues for speaking up or playing whistleblower.

Employees should understand that the ramifications of coming forward and being honest exist only initially and for a brief period. But avoiding open and sincere talk, fearing the consequences, could damage interpersonal relationships or the team’s fabric in the longer run.

Suppose you noticed your work colleague’s job with a particular assignment not being up to par. Talking to your co-worker about the same may miff them or cause them to revolt. Fearing the repercussions, you may not confront the person over it.

But once the instantaneous reaction or initial thoughts rest, the concerned individual will realize their glaring mistakes and rectify them. They may even thank you (later) for having brought the errors to their notice.

If, however, you choose to be tight-lipped about the matter or simply ignore it, the project with the shoddy work will move to the manager’s desk or even the client.

If the manager locates the errors, your colleague could be in for some severe reprehension. The situation could worsen if the reviewing manager doesn’t detect the blunders and sends the work across to the client, assuming it to be perfect. Consequentially, the company could lose the client, and your colleague would lose their job.

Using the Word “Candor” in Texts

The noun “candor” can be used in texts in a variety of contexts to mean “courage”, “honesty”, “frankness”, “recklessness”, etc. Here are a few sentences using the term in different circumstances:

• And, as a sign of candor, I would like you to tell us more about your true passions – the ones that have nothing to do with the job you applied for.
• It is pretty rare to see a political leader with integrity and candor.
• Candor is a virtue everybody should have.

As mentioned above, the word is often used with the adjective “refreshing”. The following sentences help demonstrate the same:

• The particular period of the year is the busiest for the smartphone industry. With refreshing candor, the phone case manufacturer accepted that they might not keep up with the demand.
• The refreshing candor is one of the biggest reasons for the show’s grand success.
• She spoke about the issue with refreshing candor.

“Refreshing” isn’t the only adjective used before or with “candor”. The noun could be used with other terms that may describe other feelings or emotions as well. For example:

• He passed on the news to her with painful candor.
• She was as fearless as one could get and poured out all her thoughts with stern candor.
• Those blue eyes had a yearning and a childish candor to them.

Example Sentences with the Term “Candor”

The following are sentences showcasing how “candor” gets incorporated into a variety of texts:

• She conceded with a heavy heart and painful candor that she is no longer fit to be the queen.
• He spoke about racism with candor.
• I liked how her statements oozed with candor.
• She spoke to the reporters in a refreshing tone, filled with candor.
• While we appreciate her candor, it’s worth mentioning that it has gotten quite exhausting.
• She is known for her integrity and candor.
• Her candor and her sweetness don’t get the kind of appreciation and love they deserve.
• Objective introspection and candor about the shortcomings are the need of the hour.
• That brash, intense candor has got her into trouble multiple times before. But it also earned her some real friends.
• In all candor, her colleagues would be keen to know the public’s response.
• Candor can hurt employees more than do good if they work under bosses that only expect a servile attitude from their subordinates.
• People become real leaders only if they exhibit candor and transparency. The ones who are enveloped in fear don’t make viable chiefs.
• You should treat these issues with candor.
• Her style is made prominent by her clarity, simplicity, and candor.
• He was talking to us with some unusual candor.
• She gave it to him with candor and a wild eloquence that touched his heart.
• He had the necessary candor to let the staff know about the precarious state of the company and also their jobs.
• During the event, Mary was able to talk about a variety of topics with tremendous candor.
• He expressed his thoughts with remarkable candor, not worrying about what others will think or feel.
• I could see his candor in his eyes.
• In the ideal world, candor will not be punished but appreciated and rewarded.
• The event brought to light the lack of courage and candor.
• Her candor was least expected.
• I like her kind-heartedness and candor.

Conclusion

Speaking the truth during critical situations can be difficult. Coming forward to say what’s correct when you are least expected to can be even more challenging. “Candor” is speaking the truth when your conscience tells you too and not necessarily when the situation demands it.

This subtle difference in meaning between “candor” and its almost-synonymous terms such as “honesty”, “frankness”, “openness”, etc., should be considered when incorporating the word in your sentences. “Honesty”, for instance, is “speaking the truth”, but it does not necessarily denote “voluntariness”.

And in case you were curious or couldn’t make it out already, “candor” and “candour” mean the same. “Candour” is the British spelling of the term.