Candid: meaning, definitions and examples

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candid

[ˈkændɪd ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

in conversation

truthful and straightforward; frank

Synonyms

direct, forthright, frank, honest, open.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
candid	Used when describing someone who speaks openly and sincerely, often in a way that can be slightly disarming or surprisingly truthful. She gave a candid interview about her past mistakes
frank	Fits situations where brutal honesty is necessary, often used in personal or emotional contexts to convey sincerity. I had a frank discussion with my friend about our relationship
open	Used to describe someone who is willing to share thoughts and feelings freely and transparently, often to build trust or understanding. The team's open communication culture encourages innovation
honest	A general term used for any situation where truthfulness is important, whether in personal relationships or professional interactions. He has an honest reputation, which makes him trustworthy
direct	Appropriate for situations where clarity and straightforwardness are needed, without additional softening or diplomacy. In business meetings, it's crucial to be direct to avoid misunderstandings
forthright	Implies a person who speaks honestly and straightforwardly, but with an added sense of integrity or moral uprightness. Her forthright testimony in court was very compelling

Examples of usage

He was always candid with me about his feelings.
I appreciate her candid feedback on my work.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

photography

(of a photograph) taken informally, especially without the subject's knowledge

Synonyms

natural, spontaneous, unposed, unrehearsed.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
candid	Used when referring to someone being honest and straightforward, often unexpectedly so. It can also describe a photograph taken without the subject's knowledge or posing. She gave a candid opinion about the new policy. I took a candid photo of them laughing together.
spontaneous	Used to describe actions or events that are done or happen suddenly without planning. It conveys a sense of freedom and lack of premeditation. We decided to take a spontaneous trip to the beach. Her spontaneous laughter filled the room.
unposed	Mostly used to describe photographs or moments where the subjects are not arranged or coached in how to appear. It suggests a natural and honest capture of the moment. The photo album is full of unposed moments from their travels. She prefers to take unposed pictures to capture genuine emotions.
natural	Used to describe something or someone that appears genuine and unaffected, often in contrast to something artificial or forced. It can refer to behavior, appearance, or talent. He has a natural talent for music. Her smile looked so natural in the photographs.
unrehearsed	Used to describe actions or responses that are not planned or practiced in advance. Often used in contexts like performances, speeches, or conversations. The actors' dialogue felt unrehearsed and authentic. His speech, though unrehearsed, was very moving.

Examples of usage

I love the candid shots she took at the party.
The candid photos captured the true essence of the event.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Latin 'candidus', which means 'bright' or 'white', suggesting purity and honesty.
In ancient Roman culture, the term was often used to describe someone without deceit, reflecting a clear and open mind.
The modern sense of the word began to take shape in the 18th century, linked to honest expression.

Pop Culture

The term 'candid photography' refers to capturing spontaneous moments without staged settings, celebrated for its authenticity.
Candid interviews and discussions are popular in media, emphasizing transparency and genuine reactions from speakers.
Numerous films and documentaries use candid footage to reveal the true nature of characters and subjects, fostering deeper connections with audiences.

Psychology

Candid conversations can reduce stress and anxiety, as expressing feelings openly often leads to better emotional health.
Research indicates that people tend to connect better with those who communicate candidly, citing increased trust and understanding.
Studies show that in group settings, candid feedback helps improve collaboration and relationships across participants.

Literature

In literature, authors often use candid characters to create realistic narratives, allowing readers to relate to their experiences.
Candid memoirs provide insights into the author's life with raw honesty, often resonating deeply with audiences seeking authenticity.
The theme of honesty is prevalent in many classic works, where characters reveal their true selves to convey deeper moral or social lessons.

Social Media

In the age of social media, candid moments are often shared and celebrated as genuine connections, contrasting with posed pictures.
Influencers often use 'candid' posts to show their real lives, aiming to create a sense of authenticity amid curated feeds.
Candid content is popular among audiences who value sincerity, prompting brands to adopt more honest marketing strategies.

Translations

Translations of the word "candid" in other languages:

🇵🇹 sincero

🇮🇳 ईमानदार

🇩🇪 aufrichtig

🇮🇩 jujur

🇺🇦 щирий

🇵🇱 szczery

🇯🇵 率直な (そっちょくな)

🇫🇷 sincère

🇪🇸 sincero

🇹🇷 samimi

🇰🇷 솔직한

🇸🇦 صريح

🇨🇿 upřímný

🇸🇰 úprimný

🇨🇳 坦率的 (tǎnshuài de)

🇸🇮 iskren

🇮🇸 hreinskilinn

🇰🇿 шын

🇬🇪 პატიოსანი (p'atiesovani)

🇦🇿 səmimi

🇲🇽 sincero

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #12,138, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.

...
12135 synagogue
12136 imperialist
12137 shielding
12138 candid
12139 seeded
12140 juveniles
12141 cyclical
...