Word
candidly
Phoneticscan·did·ly, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈkændɪdɫi/
UK/kˈændɪdli/
Adverb of manner
Definition
adv. in an honest and open way. You use this when someone is speaking the truth without trying to hide anything or make things look better than they are.
adv. in an open, honest, and direct manner. Often used to describe speech or writing that reveals a person's true feelings or the unvarnished facts.
Examples
“She spoke candidly about her mistakes to the team.”
“The manager spoke candidly with the employees, admitting that the project was behind schedule and over budget.”
“While the official report was carefully worded, the CEO spoke candidly to the press, acknowledging the systemic failures that had led to the recent scandal.”
Examples
simple
“She spoke candidly about her mistakes to the team.”
contextual
“The manager spoke candidly with the employees, admitting that the project was behind schedule and over budget.”
complex
“While the official report was carefully worded, the CEO spoke candidly to the press, acknowledging the systemic failures that had led to the recent scandal.”
Real-World Examples
“Candidly, it was like pure hell”, he says.” Etymology
From candid + -ly.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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