English Reference
adjective · noun

candid

adj. · n.
US /ˈkændəd/ UK /kˈændɪd/ can·did UK spelling candids

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate

    adj.honest and direct, even when the truth might be difficult or surprising.

    adj.straightforward, open, and sincere in expression, often to the point of bluntness.

    Simple

    The manager gave a candid assessment of the company's financial problems.

    In context

    In a remarkably candid interview, the senator admitted that the policy had failed to achieve its primary objectives.

    evasiveguardedinsincere
  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate Photography

    adj.showing people as they really are, without them posing for the camera.

    adj.captured naturally and spontaneously without the subject being posed or prepared.

    Simple

    I prefer candid photos of my friends rather than formal portraits.

    In context

    The exhibition features candid shots of street life in Paris during the 1950s, capturing fleeting moments of everyday joy.

    unposedspontaneous
  3. 03 C1 Advanced Formal Law

    adj.fair and not influenced by personal feelings or opinions.

    adj.free from bias, prejudice, or malice; characterized by impartiality.

    Simple

    We need a candid judge who will look at the facts fairly.

    In context

    The commission was praised for its candid investigation into the allegations of corruption within the local government.

  4. 04 C1 Advanced Informal Photography

    n.a photograph taken when the person does not know they are being filmed.

    n.a photograph taken informally and without the subject's knowledge or preparation.

    Simple

    She filled the album with candids from the wedding reception.

    In context

    While the professional portraits were elegant, the family much preferred the candids taken by guests during the dinner.

In candid interviews, National Guard members speak out about D.C.

NPR· 24 Aug 2026

Borrowed from Latin candidus (“white”).

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated