candid

Where does the word "candid" come from? It comes from Latin candidus, passing through Old French before entering English (1630s).

Candid’s story begins in Latin: candidus meant “shining white.” Roman office-seekers wore white togas, giving 'candidate'. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as candide. Meant white, then pure and sincere. It reached English by 1630s as candid. Voltaire's 1759 'Candide' popularized the innocent sense; 'candid camera' dates from the 1940s. Today, candid means truthful and straightforward.

1. Stage 1 · Latin · ancient candidus "shining white", Roman office-seekers wore white togas, giving 'candidate'.
2. Stage 2 · Old French · medieval candide "white; sincere", meant white, then pure and sincere.
3. Stage 3 · English · 1630s candid "white; pure", Voltaire's 1759 'Candide' popularized the innocent sense; 'candid camera' dates from the 1940s.