candidate

[ˈkændɪdeɪt]

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

Synonyms for candidate

• applicant
• contender
• hopeful
• nominee
• aspirant

Antonyms for candidate

• reject
• noncandidate

Idioms Using candidate

• a safe candidate

  a candidate who is unlikely to cause controversy or lose an election

  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.

• a paper candidate

  a candidate who is put forward for election without any real chance of winning

  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

• dark horse 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'

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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.