Candid — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adjective noun /ˈkan-dəd/ can·did

Meaning & Definition of Candid

Candid (adjective)

  1. expressing opinions, feelings, etc. in an open, honest, and sincere way; also, being or involving such expression
  2. disposed to criticize severely, blunt
  3. indicating or suggesting sincere honesty and absence of deception

Candid (noun)

  1. a photograph of one or more subjects acting naturally or spontaneously without being posed, a candid photograph

Candid (adjective) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. free in expressing one's true feelings and opinions

    "my grandmother was a candid woman who never hesitated to say exactly what was on her mind"

    similar: direct, forthcoming, forthright, foursquare, frank, free-spoken, freehearted, honest, open, openhearted, out-front, outspoken, plain, plainspoken, straight, straightforward, unguarded, unreserved, up-front
    related: artless, earnest, guileless, ingenuous, innocent, naive, natural, real, sincere, unaffected, undesigning, unpretending, unpretentious, outgoing, uninhibited, unrestrained, vocal, vociferous, abrupt, bluff, blunt, brusque, crusty, curt, gruff, sharp, impertinent, impolite, inconsiderate, rude, tactless, thoughtless, uncivil, undiplomatic, ungracious, unmannerly, unsubtle
    opposite: dissembling, uncandid, unforthcoming
    near: inhibited, reserved, restrained, close-mouthed, laconic, quiet, reticent, taciturn, tight-lipped, uncommunicative, ambiguous, circuitous, equivocal, evasive, diplomatic, politic, tactful, civil, considerate, courteous, polite

  2. marked by justice, honesty, and freedom from bias

    "a candid listing of the advantages and disadvantages of each medical insurance plan"

    similar: disinterested, dispassionate, equal, equitable, evenhanded, fair, impartial, indifferent, just, nonpartisan, objective, square, unbiased, unprejudiced
    related: frank, forthright, open, straight, straightforward, balanced, rational, reasonable
    opposite: biased, ex parte, inequitable, nonobjective, one-sided, partial, parti pris, partisan, prejudiced, unjust
    near: deceitful, deceptive, dishonest, arbitrary, unconscionable, unreasonable, jaundiced, unfriendly, unsympathetic, colored, distorted, warped

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Candid

The most common words with a similar meaning to Candid:

direct, forthcoming, forthright, foursquare, frank, free-spoken, freehearted, honest, open, openhearted, out-front, outspoken, plain, plainspoken, straight, straightforward, unguarded, unreserved, up-front, disinterested, dispassionate, equal, equitable, evenhanded, fair, impartial, indifferent, just, nonpartisan, objective, square, unbiased, unprejudiced

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Candid

Words with the opposite meaning of Candid:

dissembling, uncandid, unforthcoming, biased, ex parte, inequitable, nonobjective, one-sided, partial, parti pris, partisan, prejudiced, unjust

Related Words for Candid

artless, earnest, guileless, ingenuous, innocent, naive, natural, real, sincere, unaffected, undesigning, unpretending, unpretentious, outgoing, uninhibited, unrestrained, vocal, vociferous, abrupt, bluff, blunt, brusque, crusty, curt, gruff, sharp, impertinent, impolite, inconsiderate, rude

Near Antonyms of Candid

inhibited, reserved, restrained, close-mouthed, laconic, quiet, reticent, taciturn, tight-lipped, uncommunicative, ambiguous, circuitous, equivocal, evasive, diplomatic, politic, tactful, civil, considerate, courteous, polite, deceitful, deceptive, dishonest, arbitrary, unconscionable, unreasonable, jaundiced, unfriendly, unsympathetic

Word Forms of Candid

Inflections: candids

Derived words: candidly (adverb), candidness (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Candid

borrowed from Middle French & Latin; Middle French candide "brilliant, favorably disposed," borrowed from Latin candidus "bright, white, light-colored, clear (of liquids), favorable, kind," adjective derivative corresponding to candēre "to shine, be white, gleam," going back to Indo-European *(s)kn̥d-C-, zero-grade stative derivative of *(s)kend- "shine/make shine," whence Latin -cendere in accendere, incendere "to set on fire, kindle"; in nominal derivatives Middle Welsh cann "white, shining," Middle Breton cann "full moon," Sanskrit candráḥ, ścandráḥ "bright, the moon"

First known use: 1597

Words & Phrases Containing Candid

candid camera

Frequently Asked Questions about Candid

What does "Candid" mean?

"Candid" means expressing opinions, feelings, etc. in an open, honest, and sincere way; also, being or involving such expression. As an an adjective and a noun, it is defined as: expressing opinions, feelings, etc. in an open, honest, and sincere way; also, being or involving such expression. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Candid"?

Other words for "Candid" include direct, forthcoming, forthright, foursquare, frank, free-spoken, freehearted and honest. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Candid" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Candid"?

There are 73 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Candid". Common alternatives include direct, forthcoming, forthright, foursquare, frank, free-spoken, freehearted, honest, open and openhearted.

What is the opposite of "Candid"?

Antonyms of "Candid" include dissembling, uncandid, unforthcoming, biased, ex parte, inequitable, nonobjective and one-sided. Near antonyms include inhibited, reserved, restrained and close-mouthed.

How do you use "Candid" in a sentence?

Examples of "Candid" in a sentence: "my grandmother was a candid woman who never hesitated to say exactly what was on her mind"; "a candid listing of the advantages and disadvantages of each medical insurance plan".

Is "Candid" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Candid" can be used as an adjective and a noun, depending on the context.

How do you pronounce "Candid"?

"Candid" is pronounced /ˈkan-dəd/ and divided into syllables as can·did.

What is the origin of the word "Candid"?

"Candid" comes from borrowed from Middle French & Latin; Middle French candide "brilliant, favorably disposed," borrowed from Latin candidus "bright, white, light-colored, clear (of liquids), favorable, kind," adjective derivative corresponding to candēre "to shine, be white, gleam," going back to Indo-European *(s)kn̥d-C-, zero-grade stative derivative of *(s)kend- "shine/make shine," whence Latin -cendere in accendere, incendere "to set on fire, kindle"; in nominal derivatives Middle Welsh cann "white, shining," Middle Breton cann "full moon," Sanskrit candráḥ, ścandráḥ "bright, the moon". First known use: 1597.