candidate Definition
a person who applies for a job or is nominated for election.
Using candidate: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "candidate" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
There are several candidates running for mayor this year.
Example
She was a strong candidate for the position.
Example
The company received over 100 applications from candidates.
Example
He was a presidential candidate in the last election.
candidate Synonyms and Antonyms
Idioms Using candidate
Example
The party chose a safe candidate who was well-liked by most voters.
a stalking-horse candidate
a candidate who enters a race to conceal the true candidate's identity or to split the opposition's vote
Example
He ran as a stalking-horse candidate to help his friend win the election.
Example
He was just a paper candidate who was added to the ballot to make it look like there was more competition.
Phrases with candidate
a little-known person or competitor who emerges to prominence, especially in a political race
Example
He was a dark horse candidate who surprised everyone by winning the election.
write-in candidate
a candidate whose name does not appear on the ballot but is written in by voters
Example
He decided to run as a write-in candidate after missing the deadline to file his candidacy.
front-runner candidate
the candidate who is leading in the polls or is expected to win
Example
She is the front-runner candidate in the race for governor.
Origins of candidate
from Latin 'candidatus', meaning 'clothed in white'
Summary: candidate in Brief
The term 'candidate' [ˈkændɪdeɪt] refers to a person who applies for a job or is nominated for election. It can be used in various contexts, such as job applications and political races, as in 'There are several candidates running for mayor this year.' 'Candidate' also appears in phrases like 'dark horse candidate,' referring to a little-known person who emerges to prominence, and idioms like 'a safe candidate,' denoting someone unlikely to cause controversy.