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Definition of candidly

candidly

/ˈkæn.dɪd.li/
can · did · ly
Adjective:candid
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candidly Lexical Profile

candidly Game Scores & Validity

• adverb

1

In a truthful, straightforward, and outspoken manner, without reservation or evasion.

Example

"The director spoke candidly about the financial challenges the theater had faced over the past year."

2

Informally and naturally without the subject posing or being aware of the camera (with reference to photography or filming).

Example

"The wedding photographer preferred shooting the guests candidly during the reception rather than arranging stiff group portraits."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Nearby Words

candidacy
candidate
candidature
candidly
candidness
candied
candiru

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed from the adjective 'candid' plus the adverbial suffix '-ly'. 'Candid' derives from the Latin 'candidus', meaning 'shining white', which metaphorically came to mean 'pure, sincere, and unprejudiced'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Candidly. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/candidly
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