Cool MateApplicant vs Candidate
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Applicant
Top 2,000 (common)B2noun
Candidate
Top 2,000 (common)B1noun
| Applicant | Candidate | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈæplɪkənt/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈæplɪkənt/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //ˈkændɪdət//🇺🇸 //ˈkændɪdɪt// |
| Meaning | A person who applies for something, usually a job or school. | A person applying for a job or position. |
| Example | There were over 500 applicants for the job. | The candidate impressed the interview panel with her skills. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | B2 | B1 |
| Part of speech | noun | noun |
| Collocations | potential, prospective, eligible, seek, attract, shortlist, apply, applicant for | strong candidate, selected candidate, job candidate, preferred candidate |
| Antonyms | employer, rejector | incumbent |
| Common mistakes | Using 'applicator' instead of 'applicant'., Confusing with 'apply' as a noun., Using 'applicants' for singular contexts. | Confusing with 'candidacy' which refers to the state of being a candidate., Using 'candidate' for something other than people, which is incorrect., Don't use 'candidateships' as it is not a standard term. |
| Usage notes | Used in job applications and admissions processes. It's appropriate in both formal and neutral contexts but may sound stiff in very casual conversations. | Used in job interviews and elections. Not suitable for casual conversations. Typically a formal context. |
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Frequently asked questions: Applicant vs Candidate
What's the difference between Applicant and Candidate?
Applicant: A person who applies for something, usually a job or school. Candidate: A person applying for a job or position.
Which is more advanced: Applicant and Candidate?
Applicant is the highest level, at B2, on the CEFR scale.
Are Applicant and Candidate the same CEFR level?
Applicant: B2, Candidate: B1 on the CEFR scale.
What part of speech are Applicant and Candidate?
Applicant: noun, Candidate: noun.
Can you show an example of each?
Applicant: There were over 500 applicants for the job. Candidate: The candidate impressed the interview panel with her skills.
Can I use Applicant and Candidate interchangeably?
Not always. Applicant and Candidate are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.