noun
candor
KAN-duh
noun
1
The quality of being honest and straightforward in what you say, even when the truth is uncomfortable.
"She spoke with such candor about her mistakes that the whole room respected her more."
"The CEO's candor about the company's losses surprised the shareholders."
2
Fairness and freedom from bias in judging something.
"The judge was praised for the candor of his rulings."
How to Use Candor
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishBeing openly and bluntly honest, especially about things people might prefer to hide.
Common mistake
Don't confuse with "candy" or "candid" — though "candid" is the related adjective form (a candid person shows candor).
Common pairings
speak with candor
refreshing candor
brutal candor
Word Forms
candors plural
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She spoke with such _____ about her mistakes that the whole room respected her more.
Etymology
From Latin candor, meaning "brightness" or "whiteness," from candere, "to shine" — the idea of a bright, unclouded honesty.