candidate

A candidate is a person who is considered or proposed for a position, prize, or honor. The term is used in electoral politics, employment, scholarships, and other selections. A candidate may be nominated by a political party or stand as an independent, and may need to meet eligibility rules, submit documentation, or win a nomination before campaigning publicly.

In elections, candidates seek a seat by campaigning and outlining policies. They may be required to meet constitutional or legal requirements, register with election authorities, and appear on ballots. The winner is determined by the voting system in use, such as plurality or majority; some systems use runoffs or proportional allocation. The term can apply to individuals competing for offices at local, regional, or national levels.

Etymology: from Latin candidatus, "clothed in white," originally referring to Roman citizens running for public office in white robes; the word later broadened to mean anyone seeking a position or honor.

In employment and admissions, a candidate is someone evaluated through resumes, interviews, tests, or portfolio reviews. A shortlist may be created, then a final decision is made. If selected, the candidate receives an offer or admission; otherwise, they may be notified of non-selection.

See also: candidacy, nomination, applicant, nominee. The term emphasizes the potential rather than the outcome and is widely used across different systems and contexts.