candour
/ˈkændə(r)/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈkændər/ (ame, ipa)
candour — noun
1. the habit of speaking openly and saying what is true, especially when the topic
the habit of speaking openly and saying what is true, especially when the topic is sensitive or embarrassing.
At the hospital meeting, Dr. Liang spoke with candour about the delayed test results.
speak with candour about + difficult topic
Sofia's candour in the custody hearing surprised even her own lawyer.
someone's candour in + formal setting
With unusual candour, the mayor admitted that the housing plan had failed.
The memoir earned praise for its candour about addiction and family shame.
Parents appreciated the principal's candour after the safety mistake at school.
- frankness
less formal and more common in everyday personal talk
- openness
broader; can mean willingness to share, not necessarily a hard admission
- directness
stresses going straight to the point rather than revealing an awkward truth
- bluntness
more negative; suggests truth spoken without much care for feelings
- evasiveness
avoiding clear or honest answers
- secrecy
keeping facts hidden instead of speaking openly
文法句型
candour about [a mistake/problem/topic]
with candour
someone's candour
用法筆記
Usually appears in formal writing or serious public discussion, often with 'about' plus a mistake, scandal, illness, or other sensitive topic. Compared with 'frankness', it more often suggests admitting an uncomfortable truth that others might prefer to avoid.