candor

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "candor" is a perfectly acceptable word in written English.
It is a noun meaning the quality of being open, honest, and sincere in speech or expression. For example, "She was known for her candor, never hesitating to speak her mind."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Mr Kennedy suggests appointing "a panel charged with periodic evaluation of campaign statements, candor, and fairness," which is, by itself, unobjectionable.

The Economist

Zalmay Khalilzad, perhaps the one U.S. official who has addressed the Iraq debacle with some candor and foresight -- and certainly the one official history will look kindly upon.

The Economist

Submitted to your superior minds is my method for scoring the careful candor and nuanced pander that we are likely to see.On my card, I will score:One point for mentioning "the poor".

The Economist

(Rosenberg) ★ Metropolitan Museum of Art: 'African Art, New York, and the Avant-Garde' (through Sept. 2) Timed to the centennial of the Armory Show of 1913, this exhibition tells the story of African art's debut in cutting-edge New York museums and galleries with exceptional candor.

The New York Times - Arts

His public addresses were conspicuously lacking in candor.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The candor with which Schultz speaks of a crippling tragedy, or the possibility of a fresh one, is startling.

Independent

It is a sense of mystery that he seems keen to bolster as he flits coolly between candor and elusiveness.

Independent

Most of the interviews took place in the presence of security officials, an arrangement that probably led participants to play down their roles in Isis but seemed to have little effect on their candor in describing the caliphate's media division.

Independent

There is also a sense of wit and playfulness combined with candor and sincerity that is apparent not only in the works of Swedish cultural icons such as Selma Lagerlöf, August Strindberg, Ingmar Bergman, Astrid Lindgren, and Carl Larsson but also in Swedish folk music and folk art.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Still, Bissett's candor on the topic is encouraging — not necessarily for the book industry, but certainly for someone who feels an odd guilt at not finishing "Mao II".

The New Yorker

But a more subtle, and perhaps the most powerful, quality in the Senator's arsenal of attractions is an unrelenting candor that verges on self-reproach — an analysand's candor, almost.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "candor" when you want to emphasize a refreshing and perhaps unexpected honesty. It suggests a deliberate choice to be open and sincere, even when it might be difficult.

Common error

Avoid using "candor" as an excuse for being unnecessarily harsh or insensitive. While honesty is valued, it should be tempered with tact and consideration for others' feelings. "Candor" should not be a justification for rudeness.

Linguistic Context

The noun "candor" primarily functions as an abstract noun, representing the quality or state of being open, honest, and sincere. As evidenced by the Ludwig examples, it often serves as the object of a preposition (e.g., "with candor") or as a quality attributed to a person or statement.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Encyclopedias

7%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "candor" is a noun that signifies honesty and openness in expression. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and frequently used, particularly in news and media contexts. When aiming to convey sincerity and build trust, incorporating "candor" can be a powerful choice. However, it's vital to balance "candor" with tact to avoid unintended bluntness. Related terms include "frankness", "sincerity", and "honesty", each possessing slightly different nuances. While versatile, "candor" lends itself best to neutral and formal registers.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

candour

British English spelling variation of "candor".

frankness

Emphasizes directness and lack of reserve in speech.

sincerity

Highlights genuineness and honesty of feeling.

honesty

Focuses on truthfulness and integrity.

openness

Stresses a willingness to share thoughts and feelings.

forthrightness

Highlights being direct and outspoken.

truthfulness

Emphasizes adherence to facts and reality.

directness

Highlights a straightforward and unambiguous approach.

genuineness

Stresses authenticity and a lack of pretense.

artlessness

Emphasizes simplicity and lack of calculation in expression.

FAQs

How to use "candor" in a sentence?

You can use "candor" to describe someone's honesty and openness, such as, "Her "candor" during the interview was refreshing." It can also refer to the quality of being honest, for example, "The president addressed the nation with "candor" and sincerity."

What's the difference between "candor" and "frankness"?

"Candor" implies honesty and openness, while "frankness" suggests directness and a lack of reserve. "Candor" focuses on the intent to be truthful, whereas "frankness" highlights the manner of speaking.

What are some synonyms for "candor"?

Synonyms for "candor" include "honesty", "sincerity", "frankness", "openness", and "forthrightness". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "candor" a formal word?

Yes, "candor" is generally considered a formal word. It's suitable for professional, academic, or serious contexts where a more elevated tone is appropriate. In informal settings, words like "honesty" or "openness" might be more fitting.