candid

Candid is an English adjective describing a person or statement that is frank, open, and free from pretense. A candid remark is spoken plainly and honestly, sometimes revealing vulnerabilities or uncertainties. The term often conveys a sense of spontaneity and lack of artifice, in contrast to more guarded or carefully staged communication. Etymologically, candid derives from Latin candidus meaning white, pure, or bright, and came into English via Old French in the sense that one speaks with purity of intention. The related noun candor expresses the quality of being frank or honest.

In photography, candid refers to images captured without posed subjects or deliberate staging. Candid photography aims to document spontaneous moments as they occur, often in real-life settings or street contexts. This approach contrasts with formal or posed portraits and relies on unobtrusive techniques to preserve natural expressions. The term gained popular cultural traction in part through the television tradition of “Candid Camera,” a long-running hidden-camera show that highlighted unscripted, real-life reactions.

Usage of candid extends beyond physical appearance to discourse and self-presentation. It is typically treated as a positive attribute when describing truthful appraisal or transparent communication, as in candid feedback or a candid discussion. However, candid speech can be perceived as blunt or brusque if not tempered by tact, especially when discussing sensitive topics.

See also candor, frankness, and openness. The word candid is commonly used across journalism, literature, and everyday speech to denote honesty and directness, whether in words, expressions, or images.