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Definition of candor

candor

/ˈkæn.dɚ/
(UK: candour)
can · dor
Adverb:candidly
•
Adjective:candid
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candor Lexical Profile

candor Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

American The quality of being open, honest, and sincere in speech or expression; frankness.

Example

"The committee appreciated the candidate's refreshing candor when discussing the past financial challenges of the department."

2

American Freedom from prejudice, bias, or malice; impartiality and fairness.

Example

"A historian must examine conflicting primary sources with complete candor rather than favoring a predetermined narrative."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for candor
Antonyms
View all antonyms for candor

• Rhymes for candor

• Nearby Words

candlemaker
candlestick
candlewick
candor
candy
candyfloss
candygram

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed from Latin candor, meaning 'dazzling whiteness, brightness, or purity,' from the verb candēre ('to shine or glow white'). In Roman culture, whiteness symbolized moral purity and unvarnished truth, leading to the modern sense of open honesty.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

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