Candid
/ˈkændɪd/
adjectiveB2
Definition
Candid describes a way of speaking or acting that is open, honest, and direct. When someone is candid, they say what they really think or feel without trying to hide or change it. In photography, a candid photo is one taken without the person knowing, showing natural expressions.
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See It in Action
Honest and straightforward in speech or behavior
- •She gave a candid answer about her experience at the job interview.
- •His candid opinion helped us understand the problem better.
- •The manager was candid about the company’s challenges.
(Photography) Natural and unposed picture
- •The photographer took candid shots of the children playing.
- •I prefer candid photos because they show real emotions.
- •She smiled in a candid photo without knowing the camera was there.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "candid" like "honest," but with a stronger feeling of openness and no hiding
- ✓Picture a friend telling you the truth clearly, even if it might be hard to hear
- ✓It's the feeling you get when someone shares their real thoughts without trying to be polite or careful
- ✓Sounds like "CAND-id" → imagine a candy that is pure and simple, nothing added or hidden, just like honest words
- ✓Think of a candid photo where people are laughing naturally, not posing or pretending
- ✓NOT like "polite" (which may hide true feelings), candid means showing true feelings openly
- ✓NOT like "secret" or "hidden"—candid is about being open and clear
- ✓NOT like "fake" or "posed"—candid photos or words are natural and real
Try Other Words
- •Frank: very open and direct in speech (Use when you want to emphasize strong openness, sometimes with less care for politeness)
- •Open: willing to share thoughts or feelings (Use when focusing on willingness to talk, less about directness)
- •Truthful: telling the truth (Use when emphasizing accuracy rather than style or tone)
- •Natural: not posed or artificial (Use especially for candid photos)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: (No clear prefix or suffix; root word from Latin origin)
- •Etymology: From Latin candidus meaning "white, bright, pure," later used to mean "honest, sincere"
- •Historical development: Originally described brightness or whiteness, then metaphorically used for honesty and openness in the 1600s
- •Modern usage: Commonly used to describe honest speech or natural photos without posing
Reflect & Connect
•How does being candid help or hurt relationships in your life?
•Can a person be too candid? When might honesty need to be careful or kind?
Fill in the blanks
1.She was candid because she wanted to ___ the real problems clearly.
2.A candid photo usually shows people in a ___ moment, not posed or fake.
3.Unlike polite answers, a candid response often includes ___ feelings or thoughts.
4.He spoke candidly, even though his words could ___ someone’s feelings.
5.People who are candid often ___ their true opinions without hiding.
6.Candid photos are taken ___ the person knows, to catch natural expressions.
7.When someone is not candid, they might ___ or avoid the truth.