# candid

/ˈkændəd/ (US) · /kˈændɪd/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/candid
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. honest and direct

adjective · CEFR B2

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

For teachers: straightforward, open, and sincere in expression, often to the point of bluntness.

- The manager gave a candid assessment of the company's financial problems.
- In a remarkably candid interview, the senator admitted that the policy had failed to achieve its primary objectives.

### 2. unposed photography

adjective · CEFR B2

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

For teachers: captured naturally and spontaneously without the subject being posed or prepared.

- I prefer candid photos of my friends rather than formal portraits.
- The exhibition features candid shots of street life in Paris during the 1950s, capturing fleeting moments of everyday joy.

### 3. impartial

adjective · CEFR C1 · Formal

fair and not influenced by personal feelings or opinions.

For teachers: free from bias, prejudice, or malice; characterized by impartiality.

- We need a candid judge who will look at the facts fairly.
- The commission was praised for its candid investigation into the allegations of corruption within the local government.

### 4. a natural photo

noun · CEFR C1 · Informal

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

For teachers: a photograph taken informally and without the subject's knowledge or preparation.

- She filled the album with candids from the wedding reception.
- While the professional portraits were elegant, the family much preferred the candids taken by guests during the dinner.

## Examples

- She gave a candid answer to the difficult question.
- The journalist published a candid interview that revealed the politician's true feelings about the new policy.
- His candid assessment of the company's financial health, though harsh, allowed the board to make necessary adjustments before the crisis deepened.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.