candidate
KAN-dih-dayt
/ˈkændɪdət/
A person who applies for or is nominated for an office, position, honor, or award.
Refers to someone seeking an official position through election or selection.
The story behind the word. In ancient Rome, office-seekers wore distinctively whitened, chalk-dusted togas called 'toga candida' to symbolize purity, honesty, and transparency. The Latin word 'candidatus' literally meant 'one clothed in white'.
Word relationships
- nominee: A 'nominee' has already been formally chosen by a party or group, whereas a 'candidate' may simply be running or seeking nomination.
- applicant: 'Applicant' is typically used for jobs or admissions, while 'candidate' implies political or competitive selection.
- incumbent: An 'incumbent' currently holds the office, whereas a 'candidate' is seeking to gain it.
Commonly confused with
- candid: 'Candid' means truthful and straightforward, whereas 'candidate' is a person seeking an office, though both share a root referring to white/purity.
Word family
- candidacy (noun): The fact or state of standing for an office or position.
- candidature (noun): The period or condition of being a candidate.
Collocations
- presidential candidate
- leading candidate
- declare as a candidate
- successful candidate
Idioms & expressions
- a dark horse candidate
Example sentences
- "Each candidate presented a five-minute speech detailing their vision for the upcoming academic year." Campus election forum
- "The election committee confirmed three qualified candidates for the student president position." University leadership newsletter
Memory hook
Rome's office hunters wore bright WHITE (candidus) robes to look clean and pure. Dressed in white to win the vote.
When not to use
Do not use to describe an established officeholder unless they are currently running for re-election.
Fun facts
- Because Roman candidates rubbed chalk into their robes to make them glow white, voters could spot a politician from across the forum!
Explore more words
prospect, constituent, constituency, candid, vocation, successor
Also appears in
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