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candidate

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The definition of a candidate is a person who is seen as suitable for a position, who is taking a test for admission or acceptance, or who has been chosen by a political party to run for office.

(noun)

An example of a candidate is President George W. Bush when he ran for President.
An example of a candidate is a person who is taking an admissions test at a private school.
An example of a candidate is someone being considered for a job.

See candidate in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun

a person who seeks, or who has been proposed for, an office, an award, etc.
a person or thing apparently destined to come to a certain end: a candidate for greatness

Origin: L candidatus, white-robed < candidus (see candid): office seekers in ancient Rome wore white gowns

See candidate in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

A person who seeks or is nominated for an office, prize, or honor.
A student who has nearly completed the requirements for a degree.
One that seems likely to gain a certain position or come to a certain fate: young actors who are candidates for stardom; a memorandum that is a good candidate for the trash can.

Origin:

Origin: Latin candidātus, clothed in white (from the white togas worn by Romans seeking office), candidate

Origin: , from candidus, white; see candid

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