Candidature vs. Candidacy: What's the Difference?
Edited by Aimie Carlson || By Harlon Moss || Updated on November 10, 2023
Candidature refers to the status or period of being a candidate, especially in an election, while candidacy is often used interchangeably but is more common in American English.
Key Differences
Candidature is a term primarily used in British English to describe the condition or period of being a candidate, especially in political or academic contexts. Candidacy, predominantly used in American English, also denotes the state of being a candidate in an election or for a position.
In candidature, the emphasis is often on the process and qualifications required to become a candidate. Candidacy, however, frequently focuses on the campaign aspect and activities involved in seeking a position or office.
The usage of candidature is common in formal or academic settings, such as a person's candidature for a doctoral program. In contrast, candidacy is widely used in political contexts, referring to the period during which a person actively campaigns for an elected position.
When discussing candidature, there's often a sense of preparation and eligibility assessment. Candidacy, conversely, is more associated with the act of running for office and engaging with voters.
Candidature can also imply the broader aspects of being a candidate, including moral and ethical considerations. Candidacy, on the other hand, is typically linked directly to the practicalities of seeking and holding a particular office or position.
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Comparison Chart
Primary Usage
Common in British English
More common in American English
Contextual Emphasis
Often focuses on the process and qualifications
Usually emphasizes campaigning and election activities
Typical Settings
Formal, academic
Political
Associated Activities
Preparation, eligibility assessment
Campaigning, engaging with voters
Implications
Can imply broader ethical considerations of being a candidate
Directly linked to the practicalities of election campaigning
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Candidature and Candidacy Definitions
Candidature
The period during which one is a candidate.
His candidature for the board position lasted three months.
Candidacy
The period a person campaigns for election.
During his candidacy, he focused on healthcare reform.
Candidature
The act of standing as a candidate for election.
She announced her candidature for the mayoral race.
Candidacy
The act of seeking or being nominated for a position.
His candidacy was announced at the party convention.
Candidature
The status of being a candidate.
Her candidature for the scholarship was accepted after a rigorous selection process.
Candidacy
The state of running for a political or elected office.
Her candidacy for governor was marked by a strong grassroots campaign.
Candidature
The process of applying or being considered as a candidate.
His candidature was based on an impressive portfolio of work.
Candidacy
The state of being a potential choice for a role or honor.
His candidacy for the award was supported by many colleagues.
Candidature
The qualifications or eligibility for being a candidate.
His candidature was questioned due to lack of relevant experience.
Candidacy
The process of campaigning and engaging with voters.
Her candidacy involved extensive travel to connect with voters.
Candidature
A person who seeks or is nominated for an office, prize, or honor.
Candidacy
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.
Candidacy
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.
Candidacy
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.
Candidacy
The state of being a candidate; candidateship.
Candidature
Candidacy.
Candidacy
The position of a candidate; state of being a candidate; candidateship.
Candidature
The campaign of a candidate to be elected
Candidacy
The campaign of a candidate to be elected
FAQs
Is candidature a formal term?
Candidature is often used in formal or academic settings.
Can candidature apply to non-political roles?
Yes, it can apply to academic positions or other roles where one is a candidate.
Is candidacy the same as candidature?
Candidacy is often used interchangeably with candidature, especially in American English.
Does candidacy always involve an election?
Candidacy typically involves running for an elected position, though it can be used in other contexts of seeking a role.
Is candidacy a legal term?
Candidacy is not strictly a legal term, but it has legal implications in electoral contexts.
What is a key aspect of candidacy?
A key aspect of candidacy is the campaign and activities involved in seeking a position.
How long can a candidature last?
The duration of candidature varies depending on the context, such as the length of an academic program or election cycle.
What does candidature mean?
Candidature refers to the status or period of being a candidate.
Is candidature common in political contexts?
While it can be used in political contexts, it's more commonly associated with academic or formal roles.
Does candidature require specific qualifications?
Candidature often involves meeting certain qualifications or criteria.
Can anyone declare their candidacy?
Generally, anyone meeting the necessary qualifications can declare their candidacy.
What does a candidacy involve?
A candidacy typically involves campaigning, policy proposals, and voter engagement.
How does one announce their candidacy?
Candidacy is often announced through a public statement or at a political event.
What factors influence a successful candidacy?
Factors include the candidate's platform, public appeal, campaign strategy, and voter turnout.
Can candidature be withdrawn?
Yes, a person can withdraw their candidature from consideration.
What is the difference in usage between candidature and candidacy?
Candidature is more common in British English, while candidacy is preferred in American English.
Can candidacy apply to non-elected positions?
Yes, it can be used for seeking non-elected positions, though less commonly.
Is there a formal process for declaring candidature?
The process varies depending on the context, such as academic applications or political nominations.
Can candidature be used in a casual context?
Candidature is typically a more formal term and less likely to be used casually.
Is it necessary to campaign during candidacy?
Campaigning is a central part of candidacy, especially in political contexts.
About Author
Written by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
Edited by
Aimie CarlsonAimie Carlson, holding a master's degree in English literature, is a fervent English language enthusiast. She lends her writing talents to Difference Wiki, a prominent website that specializes in comparisons, offering readers insightful analyses that both captivate and inform.
