Candor
Etymology
From Latin candor, "brightness, whiteness, purity," from candere, "to shine, to be radiant" — the same root behind "candle" and "incandescent." The journey runs from literal whiteness to moral purity to the modern sense of frankness: a clarity so complete that nothing is hidden. Its clean, unclouded honesty still carries that original brightness.
noun · /KAN-dur/
Frank, open honesty, especially the willingness to say what is true even when it is unwelcome.
What it names
The trait of speaking plainly and fairly, without flattery or concealment — honesty offered in good faith.
Example
I appreciated her candor; she told me the draft was dull rather than letting me embarrass myself.
Related idea
Bluntness is honesty stripped of care for the listener; candor keeps the honesty but adds fairness and good faith.