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.