candidate - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
candidate Word Meanings
- the condition of being a candidate for a position
- the period during which someone is a candidate
- a nomination for an election or appointment
candidate Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
candidate Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ˈkændɪdət/
US
/ˈkændɪˌdeɪt/
candidate Word Etymology
candi- = candidate + -acy = state/quality. Historical origin: Latin 'candidatus' (clothed in white) → Old French → English. Imagine a person in a white toga stepping forward in an election, symbolizing purity and hope.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputEnglish Brain Route
I shift my stance, hands steady, as if listening to an audience I can't see. I move through a few questions in my head, watching the ideas change shape as I choose what to say. I keep the pace calm, adjusting my tone, letting the moment decide what to reveal. Being a candidate feels like staying ready to step forward when the door turns.
Real Context
Candidate is a noun used for a person who has put themselves forward to be elected or appointed to a job. It also refers to the period during which someone is a candidate, i. e., the campaign or nomination phase. A candidate can receive votes, endorsements, or debates, and their status can change depending on whether they win, withdraw, or lose. In everyday use, people discuss what makes a strong candidate: relevant experience, clear goals, and credibility. In law or academia, a candidate may be someone who is up for a degree or a title. The word carries a practical, forward-looking sense of possibility.
Usage Reminders
- Use 'a candidate' for one person; 'candidates' for more.
- Keep to prepositions: 'a candidate for president' or 'a candidate in the race'.
- Do not treat it as a verb. The verb forms are 'nominate' or 'run'.
- Compare with 'nominee' for a formal stage of selection.
- In non-political contexts, it means someone being considered for something, not a guarantee of selection.
Common Misconceptions
- A candidate only means a political person; it can also be someone being considered for a job or award.
- Candidate is a verb; the normal verbs are nominate or run.
- All candidates are guaranteed to win; being a candidate does not guarantee victory.
- A candidate must be famous or well-known to be valid.
- The term 'nominee' is identical in meaning and use to 'candidate' in every context.
Thinking Differences
For English speakers, candidate often centers on politics but can extend to any selection process; learners may confuse it with 'nominee' or 'applicant' and mix up the campaign sense with job applications.
Learning Tips
- Use 'a candidate' vs 'candidates' with plural nouns
- Pair with 'for' or 'in' (e. g., candidate for president, candidate in the race)
- Know the difference between candidate, nominee, and applicant
- In non-political contexts, remember it means someone being considered for something
- Watch common collocations like 'front-runner candidate' and 'primary candidate'
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
Which of the following words is most similar in meaning to 'candidate'?
A.Applicant
B.Employee
C.Boss
D.Intern
Step 2: Usage
In which of the following scenarios would you use the word 'candidate'?
A.Someone who already got hired for a job
B.Someone who is on vacation
C.Someone who is preparing for a job interview
D.Someone who is retiring from their job
Step 3: Similar Words
What is the opposite of 'candidate'?
A.Winner
B.Spectator
C.Participant
D.Loser
Step 4: Opposite Words
In a political election, who would be considered a 'candidate'?
A.Voters
B.Individual running for office
C.Journalists
D.Activists
Step 5: Mastery
How would you describe a 'candidate' in a job application process?
A.Someone who doesn't want the job
B.Someone who is in charge of hiring
C.Someone who is being considered for a position
D.Someone who already got promoted
Related Listening
🔥 Advanced
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