Candid
/ˈkændɪd/
adjective
Origin
Latin
candidus — dazzling white, bright
Overview
Meaning Now
- Truthful and straightforward; frank.
- Unposed and informal in photography or observation.
Literal older meaning
white, shining, pure
Language path
Latin → French → English
Earliest form
candidus
Earliest period
17th century
Journey
The word evolved from the Latin 'candidus,' which referred to the literal whiteness of objects, such as the toga worn by candidates for office ('toga candida'). This whiteness was symbolically linked to moral purity, sincerity, and openness, which eventually led to the current English meaning of speaking without reservation.
Evolution
- Latin
candidus
“shining white; pure”
- French (17th century)
candide
“innocent, sincere, frank”
Introduced via French literary usage
- English (1620s)
candid
“free from malice; straightforward”
- English (19th century)
candid
“unposed or informal”
First recorded in photography contexts
Connections
Word parts
candid
root
white/shining
-id
suffix
having the quality of
Related across languages
French
candide
naive, innocent, or candid
Italian
candido
white, pure
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External references use DefinedTerm semantics.