2 syllables: Can, did. Stress on Can.
KAN-duhd
/ˈkændəd/
Candid is pronounced KAN-duhd (/ˈkændəd/). It has two syllables (Can-did), with the stress on "Can". Candid is an adjective meaning honest and straightforward, often about a situation or someone's thoughts, sometimes implying a lack of bias or artifice. It can describe remarks, photos, or behavior that are frank and unfiltered. The term conveys openness and sincerity, typically in informal or neutral contexts.
adjectiveCandid is an adjective meaning honest and straightforward, often about a situation or someone's thoughts, sometimes implying a lack of bias or artifice. It can describe remarks, photos, or behavior that are frank and unfiltered. The term conveys openness and sincerity, typically in informal or neutral contexts.
How to Pronounce Candid
"She gave a candid assessment of the project’s risks during the meeting."
"The photographer captured a candid moment when the children laughed spontaneously."
"His candid reply surprised everyone, but it was appreciated for its honesty."
Pronounce it as /ˈkæn.dɪd/. The first syllable has the stressed CAN sound (short a as in 'cat'), followed by a quick, light d, and a short 'id' syllable. Tip: keep the vowel short in both syllables and avoid turning the second syllable into a long 'ee' or 'eye' sound. You’ll hear a clean, crisp stop between can and did in natural speech.
Common errors include turning the second syllable into a long 'ee' or 'eye' (saying can-DEED or can-did with a drawn-out vowel), and misplacing stress as can-DID. Correct these by keeping the second syllable short and ensuring the stress stays on the first syllable: /ˈkæn.dɪd/. Practice with short repetitions: CAN-did, CAN-did.
In US/UK/AU, the primary stress remains on the first syllable, /ˈkæn.dɪd/. The /æ/ vowel in CAN is common to all three, though a slight quality shift may occur in fast speech: US may show tighter vowel reduction in unstressed syllables, while UK and AU can feature a crisper /æ/ and a lighter /d/ release. Overall, the word remains with two short, clipped syllables in all three accents.
The challenge lies in keeping both vowels short and precise while maintaining a clean, unstressed 'd' onset for the second syllable. Many learners insert extra vowel length or mispronounce the final /d/ as a stop with an extra release. Focus on two sharp, short syllables: /ˈkæn.dɪd/ and aim for a brisk, even tempo.
No silent letters. Each of the three letters in the IPA transcription represents a sound: 'CAN' (/ˈkæn/), 'did' (/dɪd/). The second syllable has a clear /d/ and a short /ɪ/ before the final /d/. Ensure you pronounce both the /d/ sounds crisply without muting the consonants.
🗣️ Voice search tip: These questions are optimized for voice search. Try asking your voice assistant any of these questions about "Candid"!
Candid comes from the Latin candidus, meaning white, bright, or pure. The sense of untainted honesty arose from the metaphor of a clear, pure expression—like a bright, unfiltered truth. In Late Latin, candidus was used to describe pure or sincere clothing or demeanor, and by the 16th century in English it broadened to mean frank or outspoken in speech. The root candid- is linked to the Proto-Indo-European root kend- or kand-, implying brightness or whiteness as in 'candle' or 'candle-lit honesty' imagery. Over time, the word shifted from physical whiteness to moral clarity, giving us modern uses such as a candid remark or a candid photo—free of artifice and pretense. First known uses in print appear in English texts of the 16th century, with steady usage in the 17th and 18th centuries as debates and candid discourse became valued in liberal thought. The evolution reflects a cultural valuation of straightforwardness and transparency in conversation and depiction.
💡 Etymology tip: Understanding word origins can help you remember pronunciation patterns and recognize related words in the same language family.
Help others use "Candid" correctly by contributing grammar tips, common mistakes, and context guidance.
💡 These words have similar meanings to "Candid" and can often be used interchangeably.
🔄 These words have opposite meanings to "Candid" and show contrast in usage.
📚 Vocabulary tip: Learning synonyms and antonyms helps you understand nuanced differences in meaning and improves your word choice in speaking and writing.
Words that rhyme with "Candid"
-dit sounds
Practice with these rhyming pairs to improve your pronunciation consistency:
🎵 Rhyme tip: Practicing with rhyming words helps you master similar sound patterns and improves your overall pronunciation accuracy.
