CANDIDATE


Meaning of CANDIDATE in English

can ‧ di ‧ date W2 /ˈkændədət, ˈkændɪdət $ -deɪt, -dət/ BrE AmE noun [countable]

[ Date: 1600-1700 ; Language: Latin ; Origin: candidatus , from candidatus 'dressed in white' , from candidus ( ⇨ ↑ candid ); because someone trying to get elected in ancient Rome wore white clothes ]

1 . someone who is being considered for a job or is competing in an election:

a presidential candidate

candidate for

There are only three candidates for the job.

2 . British English someone who is taking an examination:

Candidates are not allowed to use a calculator in this exam.

3 . someone or something that is likely to experience or get something

candidate for

The school is an obvious candidate for extra funding.

The novel must be a prime candidate for the award.

• • •

COLLOCATIONS

■ adjectives

▪ a Republican/Democratic/Labour etc candidate

This part of Florida usually supports Republican candidates.

▪ a presidential candidate

What is the system for selecting presidential candidates?

▪ a parliamentary candidate

O'Connor was the parliamentary candidate for the Liberal Democrats.

▪ a possible/potential candidate (=someone who you might give a job or position to)

There were two women who were possible candidates.

▪ a prospective candidate (=someone who might apply for a job or position)

Prospective candidates must be educated to degree level.

▪ the successful candidate (=the one who gets the job or position)

The successful candidate will be innovative and self-motivated.

■ verbs

▪ stand as a candidate for something (=compete for a position in an election)

Lee stated that he did not intend to stand as a candidate in the presidential elections.

▪ put somebody/something forward as a candidate (=suggest someone for election)

He allowed his name to be put forward as a candidate for governor.

▪ nominate/put up a candidate (=put forward a candidate)

Any member may nominate a candidate.

▪ field a candidate (=have one of your party's members competing for election)

The Green Party decided not to field a candidate in Darlington.

▪ select/choose a candidate

Taylor was selected as Tory candidate.

▪ endorse a candidate (=officially support a candidate)

The White House declined to endorse the Republican candidate.

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English.      Longman - Словарь современного английского языка.