candidature

IPA/ˈkændɪdətʃə(r)/
IPA/ˈkændɪdətʃər/

candidature — noun

1. the state of officially standing as a candidate for an election, leadership post

1.nounC1
Definition

the state of officially standing as a candidate for an election, leadership post, or other role to be filled by choice

Example

Jude announced his candidature for student union president on Monday.

announce + candidature for + role

Party members quickly backed Lara's candidature for mayor after the debate.

Common collocations
  • announce a candidature
  • back a candidature
  • confirm a candidature
  • withdraw a candidature
  • candidature for mayor
Synonyms
  • candidacy

    the usual American English equivalent

  • nomination

    focuses on being officially put forward, often before the final contest

Antonyms
  • withdrawal

    the act of stopping your attempt to be chosen

Grammar Patterns

candidature for + role

announce a candidature

back a candidature

withdraw a candidature

Usage Note

More common in British English than in American English, where candidacy is usually preferred. It often appears after verbs such as announce, back, confirm, and withdraw, especially with for naming the office.

Common Mistakes

I sent my candidature to the college yesterday.
I sent my application to the college yesterday.
candidature means being a candidate, not the form or documents you submit.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

"Candidature" and "candidacy" both describe the state of being a candidate, but candidature is more common in British English and usually sounds slightly more formal. Candidacy is the usual choice in American English. Nomination is different because it refers to the act of officially putting someone forward, often before the final vote or selection. Application is different again: it is used when someone asks for a job, course, or permit, not when people are choosing between public candidates. You can announce your candidature for mayor, receive a nomination from your party, and still submit an application for a different post.

candidature ↗candidacy ↗nomination ↗application ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

Adverbs

Phrases

  • announce a candidature
  • back a candidature
  • candidature for office
  • withdraw a candidature

Prepositions

Etymology

LatinFrenchEnglish

This formal noun came into English from French candidature, built on Latin candidatus, meaning "candidate." In modern British English it refers to the period or state of standing as a candidate for office or another post that people must choose someone to fill.

First known use

1821

1821, in the meaning defined above