candid etymology

Etymology of "Candid"

The word "candid" comes from the Latin word "candidus," meaning "white" or "bright." Originally, it referred to the white robes worn by Roman candidates for political office. These robes symbolized purity and transparency, as candidates were expected to be honest and open about their intentions.

Meaning of "Candid"

In modern usage, "candid" has several related meanings:

• Honest and open: Not concealing one's thoughts and feelings; sincere.
• Frank and outspoken: Expressing one's opinions or criticisms directly and without hesitation.
• Unbiased and objective: Free from prejudice or personal interests; impartial.
• Bright and shining: (archaic or poetic) Radiant, luminous, or clear.

Origin of "Candid" in English

The word "candid" entered English in the 14th century from the Latin "candidus." It was initially used in reference to white clothes, but its metaphorical meaning of "open and honest" developed later.

Examples of "Candid" Usage

• "She gave a candid interview about her struggles with addiction."
• "The politician's candid speech ruffled some feathers but won him respect."
• "The article presented a candid analysis of the current political climate."
• "The sunlight was so candid that I had to squint." (archaic usage)

candid relate terms

• candelabrum

  Etymology The word candelabrum comes from the Latin word candela meaning candle an

• candescent

  Etymology The word incandescent comes from the Latin word incandescere which means

• candid

  Etymology of Candid The word candid comes from the Latin word candidus meaning wh

• candidate

  Etymology The word candidate comes from the Latin candidus meaning white In anci

• candle

  Etymology The word candle derives from the Latin word candela meaning candle torch

• candor

  Etymology Meaning and Origin of Candor Etymology The word candor comes from the Lati

• chandelier

  Etymology and Origin of Chandelier The word chandelier originates from the Old French

• chandler

  Etymology Derived from an Old English surname which in turn originated from the Old Eng

• frankincense

  Etymology Origin Ancient Greek líbanos or libanotos Meaning white referring t

• incandescence

  Etymology The word incandescence is derived from the Latin words incandescĕre meani

• incandescent

  Etymology Latin incandescere to glow become white hot Meaning Emitting or refle

• incendiary

  Etymology The word incendiary comes from the Latin word incendiarius which means ar

• incense

  Etymology The word incense comes from the Latin word incendere meaning to set fire

• incense

  Etymology The word incense comes from the Latin word incendere meaning to set fire

• blunt

  Etymology Middle English blont blunt Old English blund Proto Germanic blundaz Prot

• frank

  Etymology The name Frank originates from the Frankish word franc which means free

• point blank

  Etymology Point From the Old French point meaning sharp end or dot Blank From

• ingenuity

  Etymology The word ingenuity is derived from the Latin word ingenium which means na

• sincere

  Etymology The word sincere originates from the Latin word sincerus which means pur

• open minded

  Etymology Open comes from the Latin word aperire meaning to uncover to lay open

• open

  Etymology The word etymology comes from the Greek word etymon meaning true sense o

• peon

  Etymology The origin of the word peon is uncertain but there are several proposed et

• pone

  Etymology Latin ponere Proto Indo European pounō Meaning To set or place To

• divination

  Etymology The word divination originates from the Latin word divinatio which is deri