candidate
noun (countable)
UK/ˈkæn.dɪ.dət/US/ˈkæn.dɪ.dət/
A person who applies for a job or is nominated for election.
Example Sentences
She is a strong candidate for the position, with extensive experience in the field.
The candidate delivered an inspiring speech that resonated with voters across the district.
During the interview, the candidate showcased their skills and qualifications, impressing the hiring committee.
As a candidate, he focused his campaign on improving education and healthcare in the community.
The committee reviewed all applications and shortlisted the top candidates for the final round of interviews.
They selected the most qualified candidate to lead the new project, ensuring its success.
Each candidate presented their vision for the company's future during the town hall meeting.
The candidates participated in a debate to discuss their policies and answer questions from the audience.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
Antonyms
How to Use
A person seeking or considered for a position or role.Use “candidate” when referring to individuals actively seeking or being evaluated for a job, position, political office, scholarship, or other formal role. In a professional context—like during hiring processes—you might say, “We have three qualified candidates for the position.” In electoral discussions, “candidate” designates someone running in an election, such as, “The mayoral candidate presented her platform at the debate.” When writing about selection processes, “candidate” emphasizes the state of eligibility and anticipation—someone has not yet attained the position but is in contention. In organizational settings, “candidate” is used to maintain a neutral or formal tone, such as, “We’re scheduling interviews with the shortlisted candidates on Friday.” Clarity is key: specifying the nature of the candidacy (e.g., job candidate, presidential candidate) ensures the term remains unambiguous. Furthermore, “candidate” can appear in academic or research contexts, describing prospects for certain programs or honors (e.g., “PhD candidate”). This usage distinguishes individuals who have met specific prerequisites and are on track to achieve a degree, certification, or title. In casual or non-official contexts, the word can still serve to denote someone who’s lined up for future consideration. For example, “He’s a good candidate to lead our volunteer effort,” underscores that a decision has not yet been made. Overall, “candidate” fits both formal and semi-formal scenarios whenever discussing individuals under evaluation or competition for a specific objective. Keep in mind any context-based nuances—political, academic, corporate, etc.—to employ the word accurately and with clarity.
Alternatives
When seeking to vary your language, several alternatives to “candidate” may prove useful. The word “applicant” typically appears in job or university admissions contexts, referring to someone who has submitted the required materials for a position or program. “Nominee” is common in award or electoral situations, highlighting formal recognition or selection by another party. “Contender” underscores competition, often implying a rivalry or a race. “Aspirant” or “hopeful” convey ambition and the desire to achieve something, though these terms can sometimes carry a more literary feel or subjective tone. Additionally, “prospect” frames someone as a likely or potential choice, particularly in discussions about recruiting (“He’s a top prospect for the team”). In political campaigns, you might see “runner” used colloquially to describe those in a race for office. Choose synonyms based on the specific context: “applicant” is suitable for academic or professional scenarios, “nominee” for awards or appointments, and “contender” for competitions. Each term nuances the status, formality, and nature of the pursuit, so deliberate word selection can reflect your intended tone and clarify the relationship between the individual and the position in question.
Writing
When writing about someone seeking a role or position, use the term “candidate” to establish clarity and professionalism. Begin by specifying the context—political, corporate, academic, etc.—so readers understand the setting. Providing relevant background, such as qualifications or achievements, can give readers insight into why this individual is under consideration. For example, if you’re writing a news article, you might note the candidate’s policies, track record, or experience. In a more corporate environment, include key skills or relevant metrics that highlight their suitability. Aim for conciseness so that the idea of candidacy remains central. Organize your piece logically by discussing the candidate’s background, followed by the role’s requirements, and then any challenges or advantages that might arise. You might illustrate their campaign platform, business proposals, or research achievements, depending on the setting. Summaries or bullet points can help break down the candidate’s attributes, making it easier for readers to process information. Finally, remain neutral when describing the merits of multiple candidates. Avoid bias in formal writing unless the piece is intentionally editorial. Clarity, objectivity, and relevance will help communicate what makes one a viable or leading candidate for any given pursuit.
Casual Conversation
In everyday conversation, “candidate” can smoothly describe anyone in the running for something. For example, if you’re chatting about job searches, you might say, “She’s a strong candidate for that managerial role.” Or if friends are discussing an upcoming election, they might refer to the “candidates” campaigning for office. This word carries a professional and straightforward tone while still being easy to understand. To keep it casual, you don’t need to delve into formalities—just clarify what they’re being considered for. For instance, “He’s the best candidate for team captain,” or “She’s a candidate for the scholarship.” These phrases hint at an ongoing process or competition without requiring a formal structure. You can also pair “candidate” with lighthearted remarks: “He’s definitely a candidate for funniest person in the office!” In all these scenarios, “candidate” conveys that a choice hasn’t yet been finalized, so the person in question remains under active evaluation or consideration. By using the term comfortably in daily chatter, you can maintain a respectful but relaxed tone about someone’s potential or ambitions.
Etymology
The English word “candidate” stems from the Latin “candidatus,” which means “clothed in white.” In ancient Rome, individuals running for public office wore bright white togas—symbolizing purity and moral integrity—so onlookers would immediately recognize them as hopefuls. Over time, the term came to represent anyone competing for a position or honor, spreading into various languages and contexts. Historically, the visibility implied by wearing white garments was meant to suggest the individual’s transparency and trustworthiness. While modern-day elections and hiring processes no longer require aspirants to don symbolic attire, the idea of making one’s intentions public remains. As society evolved, “candidate” found broader application across professional, academic, and organizational domains. Whether referencing a job seeker, a graduate student completing final requirements, or a political figure on the campaign trail, the term retains its core meaning of someone aspiring to a position. This linguistic heritage echoes through centuries, reminding us of how public competition and presentation form a key part of civic, scholarly, and social life.
