candid
Truthful and straightforward, even when uncomfortable
Examples
In a meeting
“I appreciate your candid feedback about my presentation.”
Over coffee
“Can I be candid with you about what I really think?”
Why this word
honest
Candid emphasizes frankness and directness in expression, while honest broadly means truthful without implying forthrightness
frank
Candid suggests open sincerity including willingness to reveal, while frank emphasizes bluntness and directness
straightforward
Candid highlights truthfulness with nothing concealed, while straightforward emphasizes clarity and lack of complexity
Usage tip
Use when emphasizing honesty that might be blunt or uncomfortable
Etymology
Latin 'candidus' (white, pure, sincere)
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Related words
broach
To bring up or introduce a topic for discussion
concise
Giving a lot of information clearly in few words.
ambiguous
Open to more than one interpretation; not clear or decided.
convey
To communicate or make an idea, feeling, or meaning known.
reiterate
To say something again for emphasis or clarity.
paraphrase
To restate something in different words to make it clearer or shorter.