Candidate vs. Candidature — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on March 27, 2024
A candidate is an individual who seeks or is nominated for a position, role, or honor, whereas candidature refers to the status or condition of being a candidate.
Difference Between Candidate and Candidature
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A candidate is typically a person who applies for a job, runs in an election, or is in contention for a title or honor. This term emphasizes the individual's role in a competitive process. For instance, political candidates campaign for votes during elections. On the other hand, candidature signifies the state or condition of being a candidate, often used in academic or formal settings. It represents the period or process during which one is considered for a position or honor.
While the term candidate directly refers to the person involved in a selection or election process, candidature abstractly refers to the concept of candidacy. Candidature encompasses the time frame and criteria under which candidates operate, such as the candidature period for a Ph.D. program. Conversely, discussing a candidate often involves their qualifications, policies (if applicable), and personal attributes.
Candidates are at the center of recruitment, elections, and nominations, making them the subject of scrutiny and evaluation. Their skills, experience, and character are assessed to determine their suitability. In contrast, candidature is evaluated based on adherence to procedural norms, eligibility criteria, and the fulfillment of necessary requirements, rather than personal attributes.
The success of a candidate in any process is determined by their ability to meet or exceed the expectations of the selectors or electorate. This includes their personal appeal, qualifications, and performance. Whereas the completion or advancement of one’s candidature relies on satisfying procedural or academic standards, such as completing coursework or passing examinations for academic positions.
In essence, while a candidate is an active participant in a competitive or selection process, candidature refers to the broader context and criteria of being considered for a role, emphasizing the process and conditions rather than the individual.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
An individual seeking or nominated for a role.
The condition or period of being a candidate.
Focus
On the person.
On the status or process.
Usage Context
Elections, job applications, nominations.
Academic programs, formal applications.
Key Considerations
Qualifications, policies, character.
Procedural norms, eligibility criteria.
Outcome Determined By
Personal appeal, qualifications, performance.
Satisfying procedural or academic standards.
Compare with Definitions
Candidate
A person who applies for a job.
She was the strongest candidate interviewed for the position.
Candidature
The state of being considered for a degree or position.
His candidature for the doctoral program was accepted.
Candidate
Someone running in an election.
The candidate shared his vision for the city's future.
Candidature
A period during which one is a candidate.
Her candidature lasted two years before she was elected.
Candidate
A nominee for an award or honor.
The actor was a candidate for the best supporting role.
Candidature
A condition subject to eligibility criteria.
Candidature for the scholarship requires maintaining a high GPA.
Candidate
An individual seeking admission to a program.
Candidates for the master's program must have a bachelor's degree.
Candidature
The process of applying and being considered for a role.
The candidature process for the position includes several interviews.
Candidate
A contender for a title or recognition.
The young scientist became a candidate for the prestigious fellowship.
Candidature
The formal status of being a candidate in academic settings.
The university reviews the candidature of all doctoral students annually.
Candidate
A candidate, or nominee, is the prospective recipient of an award or honor, or a person seeking or being considered for some kind of position; for example: to be elected to an office — in this case a candidate selection procedure occurs. to receive membership in a group"Nomination" is part of the process of selecting a candidate for either election to an office by a political party, or the bestowing of an honor or award.
Candidature
A person who seeks or is nominated for an office, prize, or honor.
Candidate
A person who seeks or is nominated for an office, prize, or honor.
Candidature
A student who has nearly completed the requirements for a degree.
Candidate
A student who has nearly completed the requirements for a degree.
Candidature
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.
Candidate
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.
Candidature
The condition of becoming a candidate; candidateship.
Candidate
A person who is running in an election.
Smith announced he was the party's candidate for the next election.
Candidature
Candidacy.
Candidate
A person who is applying for a job.
All candidates who miss the deadline or make a spelling mistake in their applications are automatically rejected.
Candidature
The campaign of a candidate to be elected
Candidate
A participant in an examination.
Candidates must remain silent for the entirety of the exam.
Candidate
Something or somebody that may be suitable.
After being presented with various suitors, she decided none of the candidates were the kind of man she was looking for.
Candidate
(genetics) A gene which may play a role in a given disease.
Candidate
(uncommon) To stand as a candidate for an office, especially a religious one.
Candidate
To make or name (something) a candidate (for use, for study as a next project, for investigation as a possible cause of something, etc).
Candidate
One who offers himself, or is put forward by others, as a suitable person or an aspirant or contestant for an office, privilege, or honor; as, a candidate for the office of governor; a candidate for holy orders; a candidate for scholastic honors.
Candidate
A politician who is running for public office
Candidate
Someone who is considered for something (for an office or prize or honor etc.)
Common Curiosities
What is a candidate?
A candidate is an individual who is seeking, applying for, or has been nominated for a position, role, award, or honor.
What does candidature mean?
Candidature refers to the condition or period of being a candidate, often emphasizing the process and status in academic or formal contexts.
Does candidature ensure selection?
Candidature signifies eligibility and consideration but does not guarantee selection or success.
Is candidature only used in academic settings?
While commonly used in academic contexts, candidature can also apply to formal application processes in other areas.
How do candidate and candidature differ?
A candidate is the person involved in a competitive or selection process, while candidature refers to the status or process of being considered as a candidate.
Can a candidate affect their candidature?
Yes, a candidate's actions, qualifications, and performance can influence the success or progress of their candidature.
Can there be multiple candidates for one position?
Yes, there are often multiple candidates competing for a single position or honor.
How is a candidate evaluated?
Candidates are evaluated based on their skills, experience, character, and in some cases, their policies and vision.
What roles do candidates play in job applications?
In job applications, candidates are the applicants being considered for employment, evaluated on their fit for the role.
How does one become a candidate for an academic program?
Becoming a candidate typically involves applying, meeting academic prerequisites, and sometimes passing preliminary evaluations or tests.
What determines the completion of candidature?
Completion is determined by meeting the set criteria and requirements of the candidature, such as completing academic work or fulfilling selection process steps.
Is being a candidate a permanent status?
No, being a candidate is a temporary status that ends with the selection decision or completion of the candidacy period.
Can candidature be withdrawn?
Yes, candidature can be withdrawn voluntarily by the candidate or revoked by the overseeing body if criteria are not met.
What impacts the duration of candidature?
The duration can be affected by the specific requirements of the role or program, performance of the candidate, and procedural timelines.
How important is candidature in elections?
Candidature is crucial in elections as it formalizes an individual’s intent and eligibility to run for office.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
