candidate
B1Neutral to Formal
Definition
Meaning
A person who is applying for a job, competing in an election, or taking an examination.
A person, thing, or concept being considered or suitable for a particular purpose, role, or category.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Implies an evaluative process; someone is a candidate *for* something. In extended use, can refer to inanimate objects or abstract ideas considered for a function (e.g., a candidate gene).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In the UK, 'parliamentary candidate' is standard. In US politics, terms like 'nominee' (after winning a primary) are more specific. 'Job candidate' is common in both, but 'applicant' is often used interchangeably in the UK.
Connotations
Similar in both, though US usage in elections carries stronger media-driven, campaign-focused connotations.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in American English due to the prolonged election cycle.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
candidate for [position]candidate in [election/exam]candidate from [party/group]candidate to [do something]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “candidate for disaster”
- “prime candidate (for something)”
- “on the shortlist of candidates”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Refers to individuals being interviewed or assessed for a role.
Academic
Refers to a person taking a qualification (PhD candidate) or a subject of study.
Everyday
Commonly used for job applications and political elections.
Technical
In computing/medicine, can refer to a system, gene, or solution being considered.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- She was candidating for the local council seat.
- (Rare, formal) To candidate oneself for a role is an old-fashioned practice.
American English
- (Rare, political jargon) He candidated in the primary but lost.
adverb
British English
- (Not standard; no common usage)
American English
- (Not standard; no common usage)
adjective
British English
- The candidate genes were identified in the study.
- They reviewed the candidate list.
American English
- The candidate cities for the Olympics were announced.
- We have a candidate solution ready for testing.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- He is a candidate for the school council.
- Three candidates applied for the job.
- The party has not yet chosen its candidate for the election.
- She was the strongest candidate in the interview process.
- Several candidate theories have been proposed to explain the phenomenon.
- As a candidate for promotion, she had to complete an assessment centre.
- The software presents several candidate translations, ranked by probability.
- His inflammatory remarks made him a prime candidate for deselection by the party.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a CAN of soda waiting to be DATE-d (chosen) for a party – it's a CANDIDATE.
Conceptual Metaphor
LIFE IS A COMPETITION / SELECTION IS A TEST.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid literal translation of 'кандидат наук' as 'candidate of sciences' in most contexts; use 'PhD holder' or 'doctoral candidate'.
- Do not use 'candidate' for a person who is simply a possible choice in a casual setting; 'option' or 'possibility' may be better.
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect preposition: 'candidate of a job' (correct: 'candidate for a job').
- Confusing 'candidate' with 'application' (the document).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the use of 'candidate' LEAST appropriate?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
An 'applicant' has formally applied. A 'candidate' is being considered, often after initial screening. All candidates were applicants, but not all applicants become candidates.
Yes, in technical and formal contexts (e.g., 'candidate solution', 'candidate gene'), it refers to something being considered for a specific purpose.
It's understandable but non-standard. 'Candidate for president' or 'candidate in the presidential election' are the standard collocations.
It refers to a person who is almost certain to be nominated or selected as a candidate, barring unforeseen circumstances.
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