candid
KAN-did
/ˈkændɪd/
Truthful and straightforward; frank. (In photography) taken informally, especially without the subject's knowledge.
Implies an unposed, natural, and often revealing quality, capturing a moment as it truly is, without artifice or preparation.
The story behind the word. The word 'candid' comes from the Latin 'candidus,' meaning 'white, pure, sincere.' This root also gives us 'candidate' (originally referring to someone dressed in white for office). The sense of 'frank' or 'straightforward' developed from the idea of purity and openness, and by the early 20th century, it was applied to photography to describe unposed, natural shots.
Word relationships
- unposed: Specifically refers to photography; 'candid' has broader applications for honesty.
- frank: More focused on directness and honesty in speech or manner, less on spontaneity.
- spontaneous: Emphasizes the unplanned nature, which is a key aspect of candidness.
- posed: Direct opposite in photography, implying intentional arrangement.
- guarded: Opposite of frank and open in personality or speech.
Commonly confused with
- blunt: While 'blunt' implies directness, it often carries a connotation of being insensitive or abrupt, which 'candid' does not necessarily imply.
Word family
- candidly (adverb): In a candid manner; frankly.
- candidness (noun): The quality of being candid.
Collocations
- candid photograph
- candid moment
- candid opinion
- candid conversation
Example sentences
- "Her portfolio was filled with candid shots of everyday life, capturing genuine emotions." Describing a photographic style.
- "He offered a candid assessment of the situation, not sugarcoating any of the difficulties." Referring to a person's honesty.
Memory hook
A 'CANDID' photo is like a 'CAN' of truth, open and direct, not hidden. Unposed truth
When not to use
Do not use 'candid' to describe something intentionally posed or carefully constructed, even if it appears natural.
Fun facts
- The term 'candid camera' popularized the photographic sense of the word in the mid-20th century.
- Before photography, 'candid' primarily referred to honesty and impartiality.
Related words
Explore more words
candor, frank, straightforward, outspoken, uncomplimentary, unpretentious
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