Candid Meaning
/ˈkæn.dɪd/Definition, CEFR level C1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
adjImpartial and free from prejudice.
adjStraightforward, open and sincere, whether people find either refreshing or distasteful.
Sentence Examples
Roy is secretive and Ted is candid.
I like him in that he is honest and candid.
CEFR Practice Quiz
Her ____ remarks about the flawed plan surprised the entire board during the meeting.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
I appreciated her ____ and honest feedback on my new short story.
Word Origin & History
Etymology tree Proto-Indo-European *(s)kend-der. Proto-Italic *kandēō Latin candeō Proto-Indo-European *dʰeh₁-der. Proto-Italic *-iðos Latin -idus Latin candidusbor. English candid Borrowed from Latin candidus (“white”).
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"He knew not where to look for faithful advice, efficient aid, or candid judgement."
— 1828, Washington Irving, A History of the Life and Voyages of Christopher Columbus. […], volume II, New York, N.Y.: G. & C. Carvill, […], →OCLC, book XII, page 269:
"Asked about the Brexit vote, the candid president told Marr: «I am not the one to judge or comment on the decision of your people.»"
— 2018 January 21, Oli Smith, The Sunday Express:
"“I know you do; and it is that which makes the wonder. With your good sense, to be so honestly blind to the follies and nonsense of others! Affectation of candour is common enough;—one meets with it everywhere. But to be candid without ostentation or design—to take the good of everybody's character and make it still better, and say nothing of the bad—belongs to you alone.[…]”"
— 1813 January 27, [Jane Austen], chapter IV, in Pride and Prejudice: […], volume I, London: […] [George Sidney] for T[homas] Egerton, […], →OCLC, page 29:
"My candid opinion was that it was all rubbish!"
— 1871, A Journey to the Center of the Earth, translation of original by Jules Verne:
"Sam Altman, the chief executive and co-founder of OpenAI, has been ousted from his own company after its board accused him of “being not consistently candid in his communications”."
— 2023 November 18, Blake Montgomery, Dani Anguiano, “OpenAI fires co-founder and CEO Sam Altman for allegedly lying to company board”, in The Guardian, →ISSN:
Explore More C1 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
Her ____ remarks about the flawed plan surprised the entire board during the meeting.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
I appreciated her ____ and honest feedback on my new short story.