Candidates
/ˈkændɪdeɪts/
nounBeginnerCommonGeneral
Meaning
Questions
Definitions
1
A person who applies for a job or seeks election to an office.
/ˈkændɪdeɪts/
nounneutralBeginner
General
A person who is applying for a job or is competing for election.
The candidates for mayor are giving speeches.
💡 Simply: Someone running for a job or position.
More Examples
2
Many qualified candidates applied for the job.
How It's Used
Politics
"The presidential candidates debated last night."
Employment
"We interviewed several candidates for the open position."
From Latin *candidātus*, literally "clothed in white," referring to the white toga worn by Roman political hopefuls.
The word's association with whiteness reflects its Roman origin, where candidates wore white togas.
Memory tip
Think "candid" – someone who is open and honest, like a job applicant should be.
Practice
Base: candidate
candadatescanditatescanidates
Usage
30%Spoken
70%Written