Word of the Day - 03/13/26
candor
/'kændər/(n.): the quality of being honest and straightforward in attitude and speech
Her candor about her struggles deeply resonated with the audience.
Word Origin
The word 'candor' originates from the Latin word 'candor', which means "whiteness, brightness, purity, or sincerity." It is derived from the Latin verb 'candere', meaning "to shine" or "to be white." In English, the meaning evolved from the literal sense of "purity" or "whiteness" to a more abstract sense of "purity of mind," leading to its current meaning of "frankness," "openness," and "sincerity."
Several English words share a similar Latin origin. 'Candid' comes directly from Latin 'candidus', meaning "white, bright, clear," and by extension, "frank" or "sincere." 'Candidate' is from Latin 'candidatus', referring to a person seeking office who wore a white toga ('toga candida') to symbolize purity. 'Candle' is derived from Latin 'candela', meaning "light" or "torch," literally "that which shines." 'Incandescent' also shares this root, combining Latin 'in-' (into) with 'candescere' (to become white or glowing).