Meaning of Word
Candid refers to being open, honest, and straightforward in speech or behavior, often without reservation or disguise. It can also describe a natural, unposed manner, especially in photographs.
Definitions and Meaning in English
- Candid means expressing one’s thoughts or opinions in a straightforward, honest way, without being affected by external influences.
- It can also refer to something that is truthful or sincere, often in situations where others may be evasive or insincere.
- In photography, candid refers to a photo taken without the subject being aware, often showing them in a natural, unposed state.
History and Origin
The word candid comes from the Latin candidus, meaning “white,” “bright,” or “clear,” which also had connotations of being pure, honest, or sincere. It evolved in English in the 16th century, initially used to describe clear, pure, or unblemished things, and later came to be associated with straightforward and unpretentious communication.
Detailed Explanation
A candid person is someone who speaks frankly and openly, without trying to hide or manipulate the truth. Being candid is often seen as a virtue in communication because it involves transparency and authenticity. While candidness can sometimes be blunt or uncomfortable, it is generally appreciated for its honesty and integrity.
In photography, candid photos capture real moments, often unposed, showing the subject in their natural environment or actions. Such photos are valued for their authenticity, as opposed to posed, controlled portraits.
Candidness can sometimes be perceived as being too direct or unfiltered, especially when it involves personal or sensitive matters. However, it is generally seen as an admirable trait in situations that require clarity and honesty.
Example Sentences
- His candid response to the difficult question surprised everyone in the room.
- She appreciated the candid feedback from her boss, even though it was hard to hear.
- The journalist’s candid reporting exposed the truth behind the scandal.
- They had a candid conversation about their differences and found common ground.
- The photograph was a candid shot, capturing the moment when the child laughed unexpectedly.
- She always valued candid conversations because they helped her understand others’ true feelings.
- The candid nature of his speech won him respect, even from those who disagreed with him.
- In the meeting, her candid remarks about the project’s shortcomings were hard to ignore.
- The candid nature of the interview revealed aspects of the candidate’s personality that weren’t apparent in her resume.
Synonyms with Short Explanation
- Honest: Truthful and free from deception, closely related to being candid in speech.
- Frank: Direct and straightforward in expressing opinions or feelings, similar to being candid.
- Open: Transparent and unreserved in communication, like a candid approach.
- Straightforward: Clear and unambiguous in communication, much like candid speech.
- Blunt: Direct and often tactless in expressing thoughts, which can overlap with being candid.
Related Words with Short Explanation
- Sincere: Genuine and truthful in thoughts and feelings, like being candid in communication.
- Transparent: Clear and open, particularly in revealing information, similar to candid behavior.
- Unpretentious: Lacking in affectation or self-importance, similar to the natural honesty of being candid.
- Real: Authentic and true, often used in the context of candid expressions or moments.
- Truthful: Speaking or presenting the facts without alteration, much like being candid.
More Matches with Short Explanation
- Authentic: Genuine and unaltered, closely related to the concept of being candid in one’s actions or words.
- Unvarnished: Not disguised or elaborated, much like candid feedback or opinions.
- Direct: Straightforward in manner, often describing candid communication.
- Genuine: Real and sincere, similar to the honesty implied by being candid.
- Blunt: While sometimes seen as harsh, blunt communication can overlap with candid when it involves frankness.
Antonyms
- Deceptive: Misleading or untruthful, the opposite of being candid.
- Evasive: Avoiding directness, opposite to the straightforwardness of candid behavior.
- Dishonest: Not truthful, the opposite of candid in expression.
- Indirect: Not straightforward, typically avoiding direct communication, the opposite of candid.
- Guarded: Cautious and reserved in expression, unlike the openness of candid communication.