I. kən, ˈkan also ˈken; dialect ˈkin verb
( past could kəd, ˈku̇d ; present singular & plural can )
Etymology: Middle English (1st & 3d singular present indicative), from Old English; akin to Old High German kan (1st & 3d singular present indicative) know, am able, Old English cnāwan to know — more at know
Date: before 12th century
transitive verb
1. obsolete : know , understand
2. archaic : to be able to do, make, or accomplish
intransitive verb
archaic : to have knowledge or skill
verbal auxiliary
1.
a. : know how to
she can read
b. : be physically or mentally able to
he can lift 200 pounds
c. — used to indicate possibility
do you think he can still be alive
those things can happen
— sometimes used interchangeably with may
d. : be permitted by conscience or feeling to
can hardly blame her
e. : be made possible or probable by circumstances to
he can hardly have meant that
f. : be inherently able or designed to
everything that money can buy
g. : be logically or axiologically able to
2 + 2 can also be written 3 + 1
h. : be enabled by law, agreement, or custom to
2. : have permission to — used interchangeably with may
you can go now if you like
Usage:
Can and may are most frequently interchangeable in senses denoting possibility; because the possibility of one's doing something may depend on another's acquiescence, they have also become interchangeable in the sense denoting permission. The use of can to ask or grant permission has been common since the 19th century and is well established, although some commentators feel may is more appropriate in formal contexts. May is relatively rare in negative constructions ( mayn't is not common); cannot and can't are usual in such contexts.
II. ˈkan noun
Etymology: Middle English canne, from Old English; akin to Old High German channa
Date: before 12th century
1. : a usually cylindrical receptacle:
a. : a vessel for holding liquids ; specifically : a drinking vessel
b. : a usually metal typically cylindrical receptacle usually with an open top, often with a removable cover, and sometimes with a spout or side handles (as for holding milk or trash)
c. : a container (as of tinplate) in which products (as perishable foods) are hermetically sealed for preservation until use
d. : a jar for packing or preserving fruit or vegetables
2. : jail
3.
a. : toilet
b. : bathroom 1
4. : buttocks
5. : destroyer 2
• can·ful ˈkan-ˌfu̇l noun
•
- in the can
III. ˈkan transitive verb
( canned ; can·ning )
Date: 1859
1.
a. : to put in a can : preserve by sealing in airtight cans or jars
can tomatoes
b. : to hit (a golf shot) into the cup
c. : to hit (a shot) in basketball
2. : to discharge from employment
3. slang : to put a stop or end to
• can·ner noun
IV. abbreviation
1. canceled; cancellation
2. cannon
3. canto