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How to Say Candidate: Pronunciation, Definition
Explore how to pronounce candidate, its definition, origin, synonyms, and common phrases to master its everyday usage.



How to Pronounce Candidate
How to Pronounce "Candidate"
Syllable Breakdown: The word "candidate" is divided into three syllables: KAN - di - date.
First Syllable "KAN": Say it like the word "can" (as in "I can do it"). Make this syllable strong and clear.
Second Syllable "di": This sounds like the beginning of the word "dinner." It should be short and soft.
Third Syllable "date": Pronounce it like the word "date" (the fruit or an appointment). Let it sound clear and complete.
Stress: The main emphasis is on the first syllable "KAN." When you say the word, the "KAN" part should be a bit louder and longer than "di" and "date."
Practice: Slowly say "KAN-di-date" and try to blend the syllables smoothly, keeping the stress on the first syllable. Repeat until you feel comfortable with the rhythm.
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What Does Candidate Mean
Understanding the Meaning of Candidate
Candidate: A person who wants to be chosen for a job, a role, or an opportunity.
Usage in Elections: In elections, a candidate is someone who runs to be elected, like for a government position.
Usage in Jobs: When you apply for a job, you become a candidate for that position.
Trying for a Role: Candidates are people who are being considered; they try to show they are the best choice among others.
Decision Process: A candidate is not automatically chosen; a decision is made to select the best candidate based on skills, experience, or qualities.
Understanding the Meaning of Candidate
Candidate: A person who wants to be chosen for a job, a role, or an opportunity.
Usage in Elections: In elections, a candidate is someone who runs to be elected, like for a government position.
Usage in Jobs: When you apply for a job, you become a candidate for that position.
Trying for a Role: Candidates are people who are being considered; they try to show they are the best choice among others.
Decision Process: A candidate is not automatically chosen; a decision is made to select the best candidate based on skills, experience, or qualities.
The Origin of the Word Candidate
Origin of Candidate
Latin Roots: The word "candidate" comes from the Latin word “candidatus”.
Meaning of "candidatus": In Latin, “candidatus” means "clothed in white", because it comes from the word "candidus", which means "bright" or "shining".
Historical Usage: In ancient Rome, people who wanted to be elected to public positions wore white togas. The white garment symbolized honesty and purity, showing that they were trustworthy and serious about serving the public.
Evolution into Modern English: Over time, the term changed from describing someone by what they wore to describing a person who seeks an office or job. Today, the word "candidate" is used to mean someone who is running for an office or applying for a position.
Origin of Candidate
Latin Roots: The word "candidate" comes from the Latin word “candidatus”.
Meaning of "candidatus": In Latin, “candidatus” means "clothed in white", because it comes from the word "candidus", which means "bright" or "shining".
Historical Usage: In ancient Rome, people who wanted to be elected to public positions wore white togas. The white garment symbolized honesty and purity, showing that they were trustworthy and serious about serving the public.
Evolution into Modern English: Over time, the term changed from describing someone by what they wore to describing a person who seeks an office or job. Today, the word "candidate" is used to mean someone who is running for an office or applying for a position.
What to Say Instead Candidate
Applicant
Similarities: Both "applicant" and "candidate" refer to a person who seeks or is being considered for a position, role, or opportunity.
Context: "After reviewing all the resumes, the hiring manager shortlisted the top applicants for the interview." Use this when referring to someone who formally applies for something.
Applicant
Similarities: Both "applicant" and "candidate" refer to a person who seeks or is being considered for a position, role, or opportunity.
Context: "After reviewing all the resumes, the hiring manager shortlisted the top applicants for the interview." Use this when referring to someone who formally applies for something.
Contender
Similarities: "Contender" shares a similar idea with "candidate" by denoting someone who competes for an award, position, or title.
Context: "In the competitive election, every contender brought unique strengths to the debate." This term is best used in competitive scenarios.
Contender
Similarities: "Contender" shares a similar idea with "candidate" by denoting someone who competes for an award, position, or title.
Context: "In the competitive election, every contender brought unique strengths to the debate." This term is best used in competitive scenarios.
Nominee
Similarities: A "nominee" is very similar to a candidate as it implies an individual has been officially proposed or selected for a role or honor.
Context: "The committee announced the top nominees for this year's leadership awards." It is effective when the selection process includes formal recognition before final selection.
Nominee
Similarities: A "nominee" is very similar to a candidate as it implies an individual has been officially proposed or selected for a role or honor.
Context: "The committee announced the top nominees for this year's leadership awards." It is effective when the selection process includes formal recognition before final selection.
Entrant
Similarities: "Entrant" aligns with "candidate" when referring to someone who enters a competition or contest, implying that they are in the running.
Context: "Every entrant in the writing competition had to follow the submission guidelines closely." This usage is ideal for competitive contexts where submission is emphasized.
Entrant
Similarities: "Entrant" aligns with "candidate" when referring to someone who enters a competition or contest, implying that they are in the running.
Context: "Every entrant in the writing competition had to follow the submission guidelines closely." This usage is ideal for competitive contexts where submission is emphasized.
Prospect
Similarities: Like a candidate, a "prospect" is seen as a potential person for a role, opportunity, or future success, emphasizing potential.
Context: "The recruiter saw great potential in the prospect after reviewing her portfolio." Use this when emphasizing potential or promise in someone.
Prospect
Similarities: Like a candidate, a "prospect" is seen as a potential person for a role, opportunity, or future success, emphasizing potential.
Context: "The recruiter saw great potential in the prospect after reviewing her portfolio." Use this when emphasizing potential or promise in someone.
Aspirant
Similarities: An "aspirant" mirrors "candidate" by defining someone who is aspiring or striving toward a particular goal or position.
Context: "Many young professionals are considered aspirants for the executive development program." This term works best when the focus is on ambition and goal-oriented pursuits.
Aspirant
Similarities: An "aspirant" mirrors "candidate" by defining someone who is aspiring or striving toward a particular goal or position.
Context: "Many young professionals are considered aspirants for the executive development program." This term works best when the focus is on ambition and goal-oriented pursuits.
Common Phrases and Examples with Candidate
Example 1:
The candidate applied for the job.
Explanation: This sentence uses "candidate" to mean a person who wants a job.
Example 1:
The candidate applied for the job.
Explanation: This sentence uses "candidate" to mean a person who wants a job.
Example 2:
She was a strong candidate for the school scholarship.
Explanation: Here, "candidate" refers to a person who is considered for a special award.
Example 2:
She was a strong candidate for the school scholarship.
Explanation: Here, "candidate" refers to a person who is considered for a special award.
Example 3:
The candidate answered all the questions in the interview.
Explanation: In this sentence, "candidate" means a person trying to get a spot in a company.
Example 3:
The candidate answered all the questions in the interview.
Explanation: In this sentence, "candidate" means a person trying to get a spot in a company.
Example 4:
Many candidates tried to win a place in the contest.
Explanation: "Candidates" here are people competing for a prize or spot in a contest.
Example 4:
Many candidates tried to win a place in the contest.
Explanation: "Candidates" here are people competing for a prize or spot in a contest.
Example 5:
The candidate showed great skills and knowledge.
Explanation: This sentence shows that a candidate is a person who is being looked at for their skills.
Example 5:
The candidate showed great skills and knowledge.
Explanation: This sentence shows that a candidate is a person who is being looked at for their skills.
Example 6:
Each candidate got a chance to speak at the meeting.
Explanation: In this example, "candidate" means a person who is given an opportunity in a group or meeting.
Example 6:
Each candidate got a chance to speak at the meeting.
Explanation: In this example, "candidate" means a person who is given an opportunity in a group or meeting.

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