Etymology Map
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Candid

3 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means truthful and straightforward

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

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

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.