Word of the Day for IELTS - Candid

Enhancing your IELTS vocabulary with expressive and high-level adjectives can significantly improve your Lexical Resource score. Today’s word, “candid,” is especially effective when describing honesty, transparency, or straightforward opinions in both IELTS Speaking and Writing.

Meaning of Candid

Adjective: Expressing the truth openly, even when it may be unpleasant, embarrassing, or uncomfortable.

A candid person speaks honestly and directly, making this word particularly useful when describing attitudes, interviews, personal experiences, or government statements in IELTS tasks.

Origin and History of the Word

The word candid comes from the Latin candidus, meaning “white,” “pure,” or “sincere.” Historically, it referred to purity and honesty. In modern English, it highlights truthfulness, openness, and the absence of deceit.

How to Use “Candid” in IELTS Speaking & Writing

“Candid” is ideal for contexts such as:

• Describing honest opinions or feedback
• Talking about interviews or conversations
• Discussing government transparency
• Describing personal experiences or personalities
• Expressing truthful reflections in narratives

Using candid demonstrates precision and sophistication when expressing honesty, which is valuable for high-band IELTS responses.

Examples of “Candid” in Context

IELTS Speaking:
“It is recommended that candidates remain candid with interviewers when responding to questions.”

IELTS Writing Task 2:
“The government is remarkably candid about the challenges the country is currently facing.”
“Experts have been candid in acknowledging the long-term effects of climate change.”

IELTS Tip

Use candid as a high-level alternative to simple words like honest, open, or truthful—especially when describing interviews, reports, or personal experiences.

• Instead of saying: “He gave an honest answer,”
• You can say: “He offered a candid answer about the situation.”

Synonyms for “Candid”

• Honest
• Frank
• Direct
• Unbiased
• Transparent

Antonyms for “Candid”

• Evasive
• Dishonest
• Guarded
• Secretive
• Guileful

Sample IELTS Speaking Answer Using “Candid”

Use in: IELTS Speaking Part 3 – Giving opinions

Question: Do you think people should always be honest during interviews?

Answer:
“I believe candidates should be candid during interviews, as it helps employers understand their true strengths and limitations. Being open also creates a more genuine and trustworthy impression.”

Sample IELTS Writing Sentence Using “Candid”

Use in: IELTS Writing Task 2 – Government, society, transparency

“Public trust can improve significantly when authorities are candid about national issues and the steps they plan to take.”

Practice Exercises

Fill in the blanks with candid or its synonyms:

1. The minister was surprisingly __________ about the budget challenges.
2. His __________ comment about the project helped us identify key problems.
3. During the interview, she remained completely __________ with the employer.
4. Experts have been __________ about the risks associated with pollution.
5. The report offers a __________ assessment of the country’s economic situation.

Answers:

1. candid
2. frank
3. candid
4. direct
5. transparent

Incorporating the word candid into your IELTS answers helps you express honesty, transparency, and openness with clarity and precision. Whether describing interviews, personal experiences, or official statements, this word adds formality and depth to your responses.

Also Check: 

• 21+ Tips On How to Improve Your IELTS Writing Band Score
• 10 Useful IELTS Speaking Tips to Impress the Examiner
• Useful Idioms for IELTS Speaking to Score Band 8.0+
• Linking words for IELTS Speaking Section
• IELTS Pronunciation Guide 2025
• 75+ Common English Words Used in IELTS Speaking Test