This answer only deals with American English. We have another answer giving the British definitions.
In their first definitions of each word, Merriam-Webster defines a scaffold as the platform that workers stand on (e.g., when working on tall buildings), and scaffolding as the structure that supports it.
They have a second definition saying that scaffold can also be used for the supporting structure, but they don't say that scaffolding can be used for the platform.
I've certainly heard both scaffolding and scaffold for the supporting structure. And scaffolding for the actual platform feels wrong to me, while scaffold doesn't.
According to the Oxford English Dictionary, according to[1] is the usage of the words according and to as a compound preposition. The definition of the adjective according is:
1. With to. Corresponding to something; agreeing, matching. Obs.*
5. As a compound preposition. according to: as stated or formulated by.
The word according itself means:
- Suitable, fitting, appropriate; in accordance with something previously stated.
So according to would mean: "in accordance with", "suitable to", "appropriate to", etc.
Based on and based upon do have similar meanings, there's a good question about it here.
Oxford English Dictionary describes base[2] used as a figurative:
- fig.
a. A fundamental principle, an underlying basis, a foundation
b. A ground for an action or attitude; an underlying reason or justification.
They don't mention the compound usages of based upon and based on, but the meaning can be inferred. Merriam Webster describes a definition of base for kids as:
— base on or base upon
: to make or form from a starting point < It's based on a true story. >
According to states that the following statement or idea is something someone or something would agree with or have conveyed themselves. Based upon states that the following idea, statement, or work is built off of something else.
Another way to look at: according to is attempting to paraphrase or quote someone or something, while based on or based upon is creating a separate idea, work, or statement that has been influenced by or has been structured from the original.
Best Answer
Candid and honest do not mean the same thing--they don't even have similar word roots.
Let's start with "candid." This word means "openness" and "not scripted or rehearsed." During the 70s, there was a popular American TV show called "Candid Camera" hosted by Alan Funt. We did not call it "Honest Camera." The show featured raw film footage of people in candid situations. It was not scripted and showed sincere and genuine reactions of ordinary people.
We use the word "candid" to talk about politicians' answers and interviews with actors. We say "candid interview" not "honest interview." In a candid interview, a person might not have access to the questions beforehand, or have thought out answers, or be as scripted. If a politician or actor were involved in a scandal, you can be sure they will not participate in a candid interview.
The word honest means "not deceptive, fair, or displaying integrity." We want policemen who are honest, judges who display honesty, and politicians that give honest answers. The key word is "not deceptive." Candid has nothing to do with deception, trickery, fraud, or cheating, things which the light of honesty combats.
The words have started to be used interchangeably because people confuse "unscripted" with "honest."
We want honest not candid politicians. Donald Trump is an example of a candid politician. He's being honest about his answers but I prefer he were less candid in his responses. Usually, the more experience a politician has the less candid they are, which can be frustrating for voters who think everything is scripted and designed to manipulate. Candid responses such as Trump's often cause people to grimace or cringe.
Policemen typically do not speak candidly about subjects because the stakes are high. They have practiced responses and ways of dealing with things that protect and serve the greater purpose of justice. In the current situation in America, many people will laugh at what I just said, but ideally we believe this. We do want policemen who are honest and give honest answers.
Candid answers are usually spontaneous and people are called to task for them. "I misspoke" is a response when criticized for a candid answer.
There is some overlap with these words but the overlap is not a majority.