candidate
gb/kˈændɪdeɪt/ us/kˈændɪdeɪt/
A2
English
~ 1300
jelölt, jelentkező, pályázó, választási jelölt, alkalmas, esélyes
NOUN
A2
1
Usage pattern:
[someone] is a candidate for [a job/position]
She was the strongest candidate for the marketing manager position.
Ő volt a legalkalmasabb jelölt a marketingvezetői állásra.
The company interviewed five candidates before making a decision.
A cég öt pályázóval készített interjút, mielőtt döntött.
He is one of the candidates shortlisted for the scholarship.
Each candidate must submit two letters of recommendation.
The hiring committee will meet the final candidates next week.
Learner examples
I am a candidate for the new job.
Az új állás egyik jelöltje vagyok.
The school has many candidates for this class.
Az iskolában sok a jelentkező ebbe az osztályba.
She is a good candidate for the team.
We will talk to each candidate tomorrow.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'candidate' with 'student' or 'participant' in contexts where someone is applying for something rather than already part of it.
Meaning
Person seeking a job or role
Collocations
job candidate
|qualified candidate
|potential candidate
|presidential candidate
|strong candidate
Synonyms
applicant (Commonly used for people formally applying for a job or program; slightly broader.)
Antonyms
incumbent (Refers to the current holder of a position, opposite of someone seeking it.)
Themes
work
|education
|politics
|business
|core_vocabulary
Definition
A person who wants to get a job or position.
A person who has applied for or is being considered for a job, position, or role.
NOUN
A2
2
jelölt
B1
Usage pattern:
[someone] is a candidate in [an election]
The candidate promised to lower taxes if elected.
A jelölt megígérte, hogy ha megválasztják, csökkenti az adókat.
Several candidates are running for mayor this year.
Idén több jelölt is indul polgármesternek.
Each political party will choose its own candidate.
Voters listened carefully to each candidate's speech.
The debate featured all three candidates.
Learner examples
She is a candidate for president.
Ő elnökjelölt.
There are five candidates in the election.
A választáson öt jelölt indul.
Each candidate spoke to the people.
The candidates want to win the vote.
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse 'candidate' with 'politician'; not all politicians are current candidates, and not all candidates are already politicians.
Meaning
Person running in an election
Collocations
presidential candidate
|mayoral candidate
|parliamentary candidate
|leading candidate
Synonyms
nominee (Specifically refers to someone officially selected by a party or group to run in an election.)
Antonyms
voter (A person who participates by voting rather than running in an election.)
Themes
politics
|law
|core_vocabulary
Definition
A person who wants to be chosen in an election.
A person who is competing in an election to be chosen for a political office.
NOUN
B1
3
Usage pattern:
[someone/something] is a candidate for [something/outcome]
Given his experience, he is an obvious candidate for promotion.
A tapasztalata alapján kézenfekvő jelölt az előléptetésre.
This book is a prime candidate for the award.
Ez a könyv a díj egyik legnagyobb esélyese.
She's not a good candidate for this project due to her workload.
The old building is a candidate for demolition.
His skills make him a strong candidate for the job.
Learner examples
He is a good candidate for this job.
Ő jó jelölt erre az állásra.
This car is a candidate for repair.
Ezt az autót érdemes megjavítani.
She is the best candidate for the team.
That house is a candidate for painting.
Common mistake:
Learners may think 'candidate' always means someone applying; it can also mean someone considered informally as suitable.
Meaning
Likely choice for something
Collocations
prime candidate
|ideal candidate
|obvious candidate
Synonyms
contender (Emphasizes competition among possible choices.)
Antonyms
unsuitable choice (Someone or something clearly not appropriate for the role or purpose.)
Themes
general
|core_vocabulary
Definition
A person who could be chosen because they are right for something.
A person or thing considered likely or suitable for a particular outcome or role, even without formal application.
Grammar
Dictionary form
candidate
IPA
GB/kˈændɪdeɪt/
US/kˈændɪdeɪt/
Syllables & stress
can - did - ate (3 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (can)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: candidate
- Plural: candidates
Word family
Forms
candidates
noun
Core family
candidacy
noun
Related words
Advanced or less common
candidature
noun
Expressions
leading candidate
1/lˈidɪŋ kˈændɪdeɪt/
fixed phrase
Most likely winner or choice
The person most likely to win or be chosen.
Examples
- He is the leading candidate in the polls.
- The leading candidate faced tough questions from reporters.
prime candidate
1/pɹˈaɪm kˈændɪdeɪt/
fixed phrase
Most suitable choice
The person or thing that is most likely or best for something.
Examples
- Her experience makes her a prime candidate for the position.
- This area is a prime candidate for development.
presidential candidate
1/pɹˌɛzɪdˈɛnʃəl kˈændɪdeɪt/
fixed phrase
a person running for president
A person who is trying to become president and is in the election.
Examples
- The presidential candidate gave a speech to thousands of supporters.
- Each presidential candidate gave a short speech at the rally.
- Each presidential candidate must collect enough signatures to be on the ballot.
- The youngest presidential candidate attracted many student supporters.
- Reporters asked the presidential candidates about their climate policies.