# candidly

/ˈkændɪdɫi/ (US) · /kˈændɪdli/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adverb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/candidly
Updated: 2026-05-27

## Definition

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.

For teachers: 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.

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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.