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

Other Word Forms

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

It’s like when you catch someone on a candid camera, like a candid film or video; it’s very revealing.

From Los Angeles Times

Last year, Molly was one of eight women who shared their stories in a candid cancer podcast.

From BBC

Producers said it would serve as a "remarkably candid and uplifting tribute" to one of the world's "true icons".

From BBC

And some families may have declined to be candid about their circumstances.

From Los Angeles Times

She recalls having a candid conversation with a friend recently where she posed the question: “Do I dress boring now?”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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