Skip to main content

candidness — the quality of being honest and straightforward in attitude and speech

Part of speech: NOUN

Definition: the quality of being honest and straightforward in attitude and speech

Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈkændɪdnəs/

Example Sentences

  • The CEO's candidness about the company's financial troubles actually boosted investor confidence.
  • His candidness about forgetting his wife's birthday earned him a week on the couch.
  • The politician's unusual candidness during the debate surprised both supporters and critics.

candidness

NOUN

[/ˈkændɪdnəs/]

the quality of being honest and straightforward in attitude and speech

Her candidness shone through as she laughed naturally for the camera.
💡 Concept

Her candidness shone through as she laughed naturally for the camera.

The coach appreciated the team's candidness after the game. (candid + -ness → the quality of being candid)
🧠 Mnemonic

The coach appreciated the team's candidness after the game. (candid + -ness → the quality of being candid)

Candidness hits like madness — raw enough to turn to sadness.
🎵 Rhyme

Candidness hits like madness — raw enough to turn to sadness.

Got the picture? Now let's practice.

🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/ˈkændɪdnəs/
🇬🇧 UK/ˈkændɪdnəs/

🌳Etymology

Rootcandid
Suffix--ness

Origin

From Latin 'candidus' meaning 'white' or 'pure.' In ancient Rome, political candidates wore white togas to symbolize their purity and honesty when giving speeches.

Breakdown

candid (from Latin 'candidus' meaning white/pure) + -ness (noun suffix meaning 'state of being')

🎵Rhyme

frankness
openness
boldness

🔗Collocations

brutal candidness
refreshing candidness
appreciate candidness
candidness about
display candidness

📝Examples

“The CEO's candidness about the company's financial troubles actually boosted investor confidence.”

😄 Fun example

“His candidness about forgetting his wife's birthday earned him a week on the couch.”

“The politician's unusual candidness during the debate surprised both supporters and critics.”

😄 Fun example

“Her candidness about her cooking disasters made her food blog unexpectedly popular.”

📚Related Words

Want to master 27,000+ words?

Sign up free for flashcards & quizzes.