The quality of being open, honest, and straightforward in expression. Frankness and sincerity in speech or behavior.
From Latin 'candor' meaning 'whiteness' or 'brightness', derived from 'candidus' meaning 'white' or 'pure'. The metaphorical shift from physical brightness to moral clarity occurred in classical Latin.
Candor literally means 'whiteness' in Latin, reflecting the ancient association between purity of color and purity of character - we still say someone is 'transparent' or 'clean' when they're honest. The word shares its root with 'candidate', originally referring to someone dressed in white robes to symbolize their moral fitness for office.
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