candid

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "candid" is correct and usable in written English.
It is an adjective that means honest and direct in speech or behavior. You can use it when you want to describe someone who speaks or acts without hiding their thoughts or emotions. Example: The politician gave a candid interview and shared his true thoughts about the current political climate.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This is an inevitably difficult question to answer; governors never have much of a record on the subject, and presidential candidates are seldom fully candid.

The Economist

Harsher critics accused him of embarrassing Australia's international standing and jeopardising bilateral ties by publishing his candid thoughts about foreign leaders and private conversations.

The Guardian

Homes published a memoir in 2007, The Mistresses Daughter, and she is candid in the session about the childhood knowledge of her adoption, and then eventually meeting with her biological mother.

The Guardian - Books

In a candid email to staff on Friday, Rajan said industrial action would give Lebedev "very little confidence" that journalists were committed to the future of the Independent.

The Guardian

In another sense, though, simply by being so candid about her determination to flex whatever muscle she has after May, she has made a significant departure.

The Guardian - Opinion

"As a leader, he was always candid and had the courage of his convictions," Obama said in a statement.

The Guardian

The Liberal MP Dan Tehan told us so, and Abbott himself referred to his "candid conversations" with colleagues on Australia Day.

The Guardian

Facebook Twitter Google plus Share Share this post Facebook Twitter Google plus close 10.40am BST10 40 Patten says he is surprised how little political pressure there is on the BBC to be candid.

The Guardian

In one of her most candid interviews since succeeding Salmond as first minister last month, Nicola Sturgeon admitted that that the yes side had failed to do enough to counter the fears of voters after the pro-UK parties said they would refuse to form a currency union with an independent Scotland.

The Guardian

Anyone who's been a political reporter understands the routine use of tactical lying: I'm not alone in having sat in the reporters' gallery hearing myself denounced for having written a story "without foundation" by the very minister who – in a candid moment – let me in on a secret.

The Guardian - Opinion

It was soon evident that his acquisition was primarily about money, but that didn't inhibit him from having a large say in the pro-Conservative party editorial policy, about which he was candid.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a photograph, "candid" denotes an unposed, spontaneous shot that captures a genuine moment.

Common error

Avoid using "candid" when you mean "kind" or "considerate". "Candid" refers to honesty and frankness, not necessarily to being nice or thoughtful. Confusing these words can lead to miscommunication.

Linguistic Context

The word "candid" functions primarily as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe a quality of honesty, directness, and lack of pretense. It indicates that something is expressed without reservation or concealment. Ludwig AI also confirms this with numerous examples of its usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

5%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the word "candid" is a versatile adjective used to describe honesty and directness in communication, as well as spontaneity in photography. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, highlighting its presence in various contexts, primarily in news and media. While synonyms like "frank", "honest", and "forthright" offer similar meanings, "candid" carries a distinct nuance of openness and authenticity. To ensure effective writing, use "candid" when you truly mean honesty and avoid confusing it with related concepts. By following these guidelines, you can leverage the full potential of "candid" to create compelling and trustworthy content.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

frank

A more direct and concise synonym for "candid", often implying a lack of hesitation in expressing one's views.

honest

Emphasizes truthfulness and integrity, similar to "candid" but with a broader scope.

forthright

Highlights being direct and unambiguous, carrying a slightly more assertive tone than "candid".

open

Suggests transparency and a willingness to share information, overlapping with "candid" in meaning.

sincere

Focuses on genuineness and heartfelt expression, aligning with the honesty aspect of "candid".

straightforward

Emphasizes clarity and simplicity in communication, akin to the directness of "candid".

outspoken

Highlights boldness and a willingness to express opinions publicly, adding a layer of assertiveness to "candid".

blunt

Implies directness to the point of potential insensitivity, a stronger form of "candid" in some contexts.

unreserved

Suggests expressing oneself freely without hesitation, similar to "candid" but emphasizing the lack of restraint.

plainspoken

Highlights clear and simple language, sharing the directness aspect of "candid" but focusing on the manner of speaking.

FAQs

How can I use "candid" in a sentence?

You can use "candid" to describe someone's honesty and directness, as in "She gave a "candid assessment" of the situation". It can also describe unposed photographs.

What are some alternatives to "candid"?

Alternatives include "frank", "honest", and "forthright". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct: "a candid opinion" or "an candid opinion"?

The correct phrase is "a candid opinion". Since "candid" starts with a consonant sound, you should use the article "a".

What's the difference between "candid" and "sincere"?

"Candid" emphasizes directness and openness in communication, while "sincere" focuses on genuineness and heartfelt emotion. Someone can be "sincere" without being fully "candid", and vice versa.