candor
/ˈkæn.dər/The quality of speaking openly and honestly, especially about something difficult or uncomfortable. It means saying what you truly think without hiding it, but still with respect for the other person.
- She spoke with candor about the team's mistakes during the review.
- I appreciate your candor — it helps me understand the real problem.
- His candor during the interview impressed the hiring panel.
Adinary Nuance
Candor sits close to frankness, honesty, and openness, but each word has a different feel. Honesty is the broadest — it simply means not lying — while candor goes further, meaning you actively speak up even when silence would be easier. Frankness can sound blunt or even harsh, but candor suggests the same directness delivered with care and respect for the listener. In academic and professional writing, candor is the preferred choice when you want to sound direct and considerate — for example, a professor who gives candor in feedback is being honest and thoughtful, not just blunt.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- sự thẳng thắn
- Spanish
- franqueza
- Chinese
- 坦诚
- Japanese
- 率直
- Korean
- 솔직함
Etymology
From Latin "candor," meaning brightness or purity, related to "candēre" (to shine, to be white). The word entered English in the 17th century, first meaning moral purity, then shifting to its modern sense of open, honest speech.
Common phrases
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is 'candor' formal or informal?
- Candor is a fairly formal word. It is more common in written English, academic essays, and professional settings than in everyday casual conversation.
- What is the difference between candor and frankness?
- Both mean speaking honestly, but frankness can sound blunt or even rude. Candor implies the same directness but with a warmer, more respectful tone — it is honesty with tact.
- Is 'candour' the same word as 'candor'?
- Yes. 'Candour' is the standard British English spelling, while 'candor' is standard in American English. They mean exactly the same thing.
- Can candor have a negative meaning?
- Rarely. Candor is almost always positive or neutral. However, someone might say 'brutal candor' to suggest that the honesty was painfully direct, even if well-intentioned.