What is candidate? Pronunciation and usage in English

candidate means . Learn how to pronounce and use candidate through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of candidate

candidatenoun

/ˈkandɪdeɪt//ˈkandɪdət/
Definition & pronunciation of candidate

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "candidate." It can be tricky for some! Here's a breakdown:

The most common and accepted pronunciation is:

  • /ˈkændɪdeɪt/ (Stress on the first syllable)

Let's break it down syllable by syllable:

  1. "can": Pronounced like the word "can" - /kæn/
  2. "di": Pronounced like "dee" - /di/
  3. "date": Pronounced like "date" - /deɪt/

Putting it together: kæn - dee - deɪt -> ˈkændɪdeɪt

Tips for getting it right:

  • Stress: The emphasis is on the first syllable ("can"). This is the most important part.
  • "date" sound: Make sure you're pronouncing the "a" in "date" as a long "a" sound (like in "cake"). It's not a short "a" like in "cat."

Resources for Hearing the Pronunciation:

Would you like me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation for you?
  • Give you some example sentences using the word “candidate”?

Usage and examples with the word candidate in English

Let's break down how to use the word "candidate" effectively in English. It's a versatile word with several different meanings, so understanding the context is key.

1. Core Meaning: A Person Running for Office

  • Most Common Usage: This is the primary and most frequently encountered meaning. It refers to a person who is competing to hold a political position.

    • Example: "Sarah is a candidate for mayor in the upcoming election."
    • Example: "The two candidates debated fiercely on the issues."
    • Example: "He withdrew from the race as a candidate."

2. More General Usage: Someone Considered for a Role or Position

  • Beyond Politics: “Candidate” doesn't only apply to political positions. It can refer to anyone being considered for any role or position – a job, a scholarship, a role on a team, etc.

    • Example (Job): "John was a strong candidate for the position of marketing manager." (He was among those considered.)
    • Example (Scholarship): "Emily submitted her application and is now a candidate for the prestigious scholarship."
    • Example (Team): "The coach has several promising candidates for the starting quarterback position."

3. As a Noun Phrase (Referring to Group of Candidates)

  • You often see "candidates" used as a collective noun.

    • Example: "The party has a diverse group of candidates representing various demographics."
    • Example: “We need to carefully evaluate all the candidates before making a decision.”

4. As a Verb (To Nominate or Offer as a Candidate)

  • It’s also a verb, meaning to nominate or propose someone as a candidate.

    • Example: "The committee will candidate several individuals for the board position." (Meaning: They will nominate them.)
    • Example: "The union candidated him for the leadership role."

Key Points & Considerations:

  • “A candidate” vs. “The candidate”: “A candidate” refers to one specific person. “The candidate” refers to the leading or most prominent candidate (usually assumed).
  • “Candidate pool”/ “Candidate list”: These phrases refer to a group of people being considered.
  • “To campaign for”: This phrase is often used in conjunction with “candidate,” referring to the process of trying to win an election. “He is currently campaigning for the office of governor.”

Here's a table summarizing the usage:

Part of Speech Meaning Example
Noun (singular) Person running for a political office She is a candidate for Congress.
Noun (plural) People being considered for a role The candidates interviewed were qualified.
Verb To nominate or offer as a candidate They candidated her for the award.

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • In what context are you trying to use the word "candidate"? (e.g., writing an essay, having a conversation, preparing for an interview?)

Synonyms for the word candidate

Practice with vocabulary candidate

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The hiring manager interviewed three applicants, but only one __________ stood out for the position.
  2. The committee reviewed the __________ for the scholarship carefully before making their decision.
  3. After a long discussion, they finally selected the most qualified __________ for the role.
  4. The company decided to promote an internal employee rather than hire an external __________.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Who is the person being considered for a job opening?
    a) Candidate
    b) Client
    c) Manager
    d) Employee

  2. Which word best describes someone running in an election?
    a) Voter
    b) Candidate
    c) Campaigner
    d) Supporter

  3. The __________ for the leadership role demonstrated excellent problem-solving skills.
    a) Applicant
    b) Candidate
    c) Recruiter
    d) Employer

  4. Which term refers to someone who applies for a university program?
    a) Student
    b) Applicant
    c) Scholar
    d) Professor

  5. The board is evaluating multiple __________ for the CEO position.
    a) Candidates
    b) Employees
    c) Volunteers
    d) Managers

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The person applying for the job has extensive experience in marketing.
    → The __________ for the job has extensive experience in marketing.

  2. They reviewed the individual’s qualifications before making a decision.
    → They reviewed the __________’s qualifications before making a decision.

  3. The company is considering a new hire to fill the vacant position.
    → The company is considering a new __________ to fill the vacant position.

Answer:

Exercise 1:

  1. candidate
  2. applications
  3. candidate
  4. candidate

Exercise 2:

  1. a) Candidate
  2. b) Candidate
  3. b) Candidate
  4. b) Applicant
  5. a) Candidates

Exercise 3:

  1. The candidate for the job has extensive experience in marketing.
  2. They reviewed the candidate’s qualifications before making a decision.
  3. The company is considering a new applicant to fill the vacant position.

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