candidly
UK: ˈkændɪdli | US: ˈkændɪdli
adv. in an honest, straightforward, or unreserved manner
adv. without concealment or deception
candidly = candid<frank, honest> + ly<adverb suffix>
- candid: From Latin candidus (white, pure, sincere), originally referring to the purity of white garments worn by Roman candidates for office (symbolizing integrity). Over time, it evolved to mean "frank" or "unbiased."
- ly: An Old English adverbial suffix indicating manner or quality.
Etymology Origin:
The word traces back to the Latin candidus, which metaphorically linked physical whiteness to moral purity. Roman political candidates (candidati) wore white togas to project honesty, embedding the idea of transparency into the term. The suffix -ly later standardized its adverbial form in English, preserving the core notion of sincerity in action.
She spoke candidly about her struggles with the project.
The CEO addressed the employees candidly during the crisis meeting.
He admitted candidly that he had made a mistake.
The interview allowed her to express her views candidly.
They debated the issue candidly, without hiding their disagreements.