Word of the day · 25 August 2026
candid
/ˈkændɪd/
adjective
Honest and direct; free from concealment or false polish.
In a sentence
- She gave a candid review that helped the draft more than praise would have.
- His candid photos of the kitchen caught the real rush of service.
- We need a candid talk about the budget before next quarter.
In an image
Origin
From Latin candidus (white, pure, sincere), from candere (to shine).
History
Roman candidus suggested brightness and purity, then moral openness. English kept candid for frank speech and later for unposed photographs. Political and workplace talk still prizes candor when spin is the default. The word implies clarity of intent, not cruelty for its own sake.
Nearby words
frank · forthright · blunt
Straight talk without the soft coat of flattery.