Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Openly straightforward and direct without reserve or secretiveness: Describes a person, their manner, or communication that is honest, sincere, and not intended to hide anything.
   • Informal or natural; especially caught off guard or unprepared: Describes something, like a photograph or moment, that is unposed and captures a genuine, spontaneous state.
   • Characterized by directness in manner or speech; without subtlety or evasion: Describes an opinion or statement that is frank, blunt, and to the point, even if it is potentially unwelcome.

Usage Examples

• Describing a person's nature or expression:
  • She has a candid face that makes people trust her immediately.
  • He was candid about his past mistakes during the interview.
• Describing an unposed, spontaneous capture:
  • The photographer specializes in candid shots of people in the city.
  • It was a candid moment, caught on film before they noticed the camera.
• Describing a frank opinion or speech:
  • May I be candid? I think this plan has several flaws.
  • The manager appreciated her candid feedback on the new policy.

Advanced Usage

• "To be candid with you": A phrase used to preface a very honest, and possibly critical, statement.
  • To be candid with you, I don't believe the project will succeed on its current timeline.
• "In all candor/candour": A formal expression meaning "speaking with complete honesty."
  • In all candor, the company's financial situation is more serious than previously stated.

Variants and Related Words

• Candor / Candour (noun): The quality of being open, honest, and straightforward in speech or expression.
  • I admire your candor in this difficult situation.
• Candidly (adverb): In an honest and direct way.
  • He spoke candidly about the challenges he faced.

Synonyms

• Frank: Open, honest, and direct in speech or writing, especially when dealing with unpalatable matters.
• Forthright: Direct and outspoken; straightforward and honest.
• Blunt: Uncompromisingly forthright in speech, sometimes to the point of seeming rude.
• Straightforward: Easy to understand; direct and honest in manner.

Antonyms

• Secretive: Inclined to conceal feelings, intentions, or information.
• Evasive: Tending to avoid commitment or direct answers; equivocal.
• Disingenuous: Not candid or sincere, typically by pretending that one knows less about something than one really does.

Idioms and Phrases

• Candid camera: Refers to a hidden camera or the genre of photography/filming that captures people in unguarded, spontaneous moments.
  • The show used candid camera techniques to film people's reactions.
• (A) candid friend: (Often ironic) A person who claims to be honest and straightforward, but whose "honest" remarks are often critical or hurtful.
  • Beware of candid friends who offer criticism under the guise of honesty.

Adjective

1. openly straightforward and direct without reserve or secretiveness
   • his candid eyes
   • an open and trusting nature
   • a heart-to-heart talk
2. informal or natural; especially caught off guard or unprepared
   • a candid photograph
   • a candid interview
3. characterized by directness in manner or speech; without subtlety or evasion
   • blunt talking and straight shooting
   • a blunt New England farmer
   • I gave them my candid opinion
   • forthright criticism
   • a forthright approach to the problem
   • tell me what you think--and you may just as well be frank
   • it is possible to be outspoken without being rude
   • plainspoken and to the point
   • a point-blank accusation