Michael HessionNew York Amsterdam NewsMike Vulpo
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The Many Shades of Candid
It is interesting that candid, which has the original meaning in English of “white,” should have so many colors of meaning. The word comes from the French candide, which is from the Latin candidus (“bright, white”). Candid is not often used to mean “white” these days, and has shed another of its older meanings, “clear, pure.” Many of its current meanings are concerned with forms of honesty and forthrightness. It may refer to the indication or suggestion of sincere honesty (“her candid eyes”), or to something being marked by honest expression (“a candid talk”). However, it also carries the meaning of bluntness (or “disposed to criticize severely”), as well as “free from bias, prejudice, or malice.” The most recent sense it has taken on is in the vocabulary of photography: “relating to or being photography of subjects acting naturally or spontaneously without being posed.”
Synonyms
Examples of candid in a Sentence
Lance Armstrong, It's Not About the Bike, (2000) 2001
To be candid, I have wondered whether it is fair to write about a man for whom I cannot help but feel a real distaste.
—Jill Lepore, Journal of American History, June 2001
There are candid … anecdotes of open-heart surgery.
—Joyce Carol Oates, New York Times Book Review, 30 Sept. 1990
He was quite candid about his past.
She gave us her candid opinion on the matter.
Gabrielle Rockson, People.com, 5 Nov. 2024
Triggered by a medication prescribed to treat an underlying skin condition, Ashlee Crumpton's candid TikTok video (@ashleecrumpton0) has amassed 4 million views since it was shared on October 1.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024
In 2016, Insecure premiered and changed the game with its candid storylines that focused on the complex experiences of everyday life.
—Giana Levy, refinery29.com, 25 Oct. 2024
Jamey Johnson is getting candid about his experience with addiction.
—Jack Irvin, People.com, 1 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for candid 
Dictionary Entries Near candid
Cite this Entry
“Candid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/candid. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.
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