Candidate Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/ˈkændiˌdeɪt/

Part of Speech

Noun

Definition

A person who is running or is being considered for a political office or position, typically in an election or selection process.

Examples

The candidate campaigned across the state to win votes.
The party nominated a young candidate to run for mayor.

Synonyms

Contender
Runners-up

Antonyms

Winner
Losers

Etymology

The word ‘candidate’ comes from the Latin term ‘candidus,’ meaning ‘white,’ as ancient Roman candidates for office would often wear white robes to signify their purity and innocence.

Usage Notes

When referring to a candidate, use the word in the context of a specific election or selection process. For example, ‘The candidate speeches were all over the news.’ or ‘She was a strong candidate for the job.’

Additional Information

Candidates are often characterized by their ability to communicate their vision, policies, and values effectively to the public. A successful candidate must possess strong leadership skills, a deep understanding of the issues at hand, and the ability to inspire and motivate others.

Candidates may face a range of challenges during the election process, including opponents, media scrutiny, and fundraising requirements. Despite these obstacles, many candidates remain committed to making a positive impact in their community or the world at large.

Cultural References

In popular culture, candidates are often portrayed in films and TV shows, such as in the movie ‘The West Wing’ or the TV series ‘House of Cards.’ These portrayals can provide insight into the challenges and triumphs of candidates and their teams.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

Cross the floor
Go negative
Run a tight ship

Related Words or Phrases

Campaign
Election
Politician

Collocations

Candidate speech
campaign trail
election bid

Frequency of Use

The word ‘candidate’ is commonly used in news and current events, particularly during election seasons.

Common Misspellings

Canditate
Canidate
Kandidate