What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
candour
Example
I appreciate your candour in sharing your concerns with me. [candour: noun]
Example
She spoke with candour about her past mistakes. [candour: noun]
openness
Example
The team leader encouraged openness and collaboration among team members. [openness: noun]
Example
Her openness about her struggles inspired others to share their own stories. [openness: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Openness is more commonly used than candour in everyday language. Openness is a versatile term that can be applied to various contexts, while candour is less common and may sound more formal or old-fashioned.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between candour and openness?
While candour is typically associated with a more formal tone, openness can be used in both formal and informal contexts, making it a more flexible and widely used term.