adv. [f. CANDID + -LY2.]
1. Fairly, without prejudice or bias, with open mind.
1646. Sir T. Browne, Pseud. Ep., 153. That proverbe must be candidly interpreted.
1647. Saltmarsh, Sparkl. Glory (1847), 207.
c. 1650. Tombes, in Baxter, Inf. Bapt., 211. He would have sought for truth candidly.
1745. Season. Adv. Protest., 28. So that the Children … may listen candidly to wholesome Instruction.
1817. Mar. Edgeworth, Harrington, I. iv. 87. To think candidly of persons of his persuasion.
† 2. Without malice; favorably, kindly, courteously. Obs.
1650. H. More, in Enthus. Tri. (1656), 72. I will candidly passe over what may receive any tolerably good interpretation.
1768. Sterne, Sent. Journ. (1778), I. 132. Candidly disposed to make the best of the worst.
1782. Hellins, in Phil. Trans., LXXII. 425. I hope this little piece will be candidly received.
1845. Maurice, Mor. & Met. Philos., in Encycl. Metrop., II. 581/1. He must not candidly and generously concede the truth and wisdom of those [propositions] which seemed to him plausible or reasonable.
3. Frankly, openly, straightforwardly, without reserve.
1762. Goldsm., Nash, 3. Montaigne or Colley Cibber, who candidly tells us what they thought of the world.
1783. Ld. Hailes, Anc. Chr. Ch., iv. 98. Few judges have so candidly avowed their incapacity to discharge the duties of office.
1884. G. Denman, Law Times Rep., LI. 666/2. The manager himself candidly answered that they took the risk.
Mod. I candidly confess that I am ashamed of my party.
