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Where does the word "candidate" come from? It comes from Latin candidus, and was adopted directly into English (1600s).
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Where does the word "candidate" come from? It comes from Latin candidus, and was adopted directly into English (1600s).
Candidate’s story begins in Latin: candidus meant “white, shining.” Literally white, since Roman office-seekers wore bright white togas to stand out. It reached English by 1600s as candidate. Settled as the word for someone seeking office or a position. Today, candidate means a person who applies for a job or is nominated for election.
- Stage 1 · Latin · ancient candidus "white, shining", literally white, since Roman office-seekers wore bright white togas to stand out.
- Stage 2 · English · 1600s candidate "a person seeking office or a position", settled as the word for someone seeking office or a position.