Definition
Honest and direct, saying what you truly think without hiding anything.
Example
She gave me a candid opinion about my work.
Show translation
She gave me an honest, direct opinion about my work.
Etymology
From Latin *candidus* ("white, bright, pure, sincere"), derived from *candēre* ("to shine, to glow"). In ancient Rome, political candidates (*candidāti*) wore white togas as a symbol of purity and honest intent — giving English both "candid" and "candidate" from the same root.
Cultural note
In English-speaking cultures, being candid is generally admired as a sign of integrity, though it can carry a subtle warning: "I'll be candid with you…" often signals that something hard to hear is coming. Note the related noun *candor* (US) / *candour* (UK). "Candid camera" — a hidden-camera genre — borrows the sense of unposed, unfiltered truth.