Candidness — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adjective noun /ˈkan-dəd/ can·did

Meaning & Definition of Candidness

Candidness (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

Candidness (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. the free expression of one's true feelings and opinions

    "candidness is something that we claim to admire—except when we are on the receiving end of a brutally honest assessment"

    similar: bluntness, candor, directness, forthrightness, frankness, honesty, openheartedness, openness, outspokenness, plainness, plainspokenness, plumpness, straightforwardness, unguardedness, unreserve, unreservedness
    related: earnestness, sincerity, sobriety, artlessness, genuineness, naïveté, simplicity, unsophistication, communicativeness, freedom, license, uninhibitedness, unrestrainedness, unrestraint
    opposite: dissembling, dissimulation, indirection
    near: circuitousness, evasiveness, secretiveness, inhibition, reserve, restraint, reticence, shyness, diplomacy, tact

Related Entry: Candid (adjective)

Candid is a different word from Candidness. The synonyms below are for candid, not for candidness.

  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 Candidness

The most common words with a similar meaning to Candidness:

bluntness, candor, directness, forthrightness, frankness, honesty, openheartedness, openness, outspokenness, plainness, plainspokenness, plumpness, straightforwardness, unguardedness, unreserve, unreservedness

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Candidness

Words with the opposite meaning of Candidness:

dissembling, dissimulation, indirection

Related Words for Candidness

earnestness, sincerity, sobriety, artlessness, genuineness, naïveté, simplicity, unsophistication, communicativeness, freedom, license, uninhibitedness, unrestrainedness, unrestraint

Near Antonyms of Candidness

circuitousness, evasiveness, secretiveness, inhibition, reserve, restraint, reticence, shyness, diplomacy, tact

Word Forms of Candidness

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

Origin & Etymology of Candidness

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

Frequently Asked Questions about Candidness

What does "Candidness" mean?

"Candidness" 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.

What is another word for "Candidness"?

Other words for "Candidness" include bluntness, candor, directness, forthrightness, frankness, honesty, openheartedness and openness. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Candidness" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Candidness"?

There are 30 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Candidness". Common alternatives include bluntness, candor, directness, forthrightness, frankness, honesty, openheartedness, openness, outspokenness and plainness.

What is the opposite of "Candidness"?

Antonyms of "Candidness" include dissembling, dissimulation and indirection. Near antonyms include circuitousness, evasiveness, secretiveness and inhibition.

How do you use "Candidness" in a sentence?

Examples of "Candidness" in a sentence: "candidness is something that we claim to admire—except when we are on the receiving end of a brutally honest assessment".

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

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

How do you pronounce "Candidness"?

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

What is the origin of the word "Candidness"?

"Candidness" 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.