can
can
Pronunciation
IPA Phonetic Spelling: /kæn/
can: /kæn/
/k/ - voiceless velar stop
/æ/ - near-open front unrounded vowel
/n/ - alveolar nasal
Word Form Variations
Noun:
Singular: can
Plural: cans
Verb:
Base form: can
Past simple: could
Past participle: been able to (used with "have" or "has" - e.g., "have been able to")
Present participle: canning (when referring to the act of preserving)
Third-person singular present: can (modal verb, does not change)
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Noun
Definition 1: A cylindrical metal container, typically hermetically sealed, used for preserving and storing food or beverages.
Synonyms: tin (British English), container, jar, receptacle
Antonyms: (No direct antonyms, as it describes a specific object. One might consider "unsealed container" or "open container" as conceptual opposites.)
Definition 2: The contents of a can.
Synonyms: contents, package, portion
Antonyms: (No direct antonyms)
Definition 3: (Slang) A toilet or restroom.
Synonyms: toilet, restroom, lavatory, loo (British English), john (American English)
Antonyms: (No direct antonyms)
Verb
Definition 1: (Modal Verb) To be able to; to have the ability or capacity to do something.
Synonyms: able to, capable of, permitted to, may (in terms of permission)
Antonyms: cannot, unable to, prohibited from, may not
Definition 2: (Modal Verb) To be allowed or permitted to do something.
Synonyms: may, allowed to, permitted to
Antonyms: cannot, may not, forbidden to, prohibited from
Definition 3: (Transitive Verb) To preserve food by sealing it in an airtight container (typically a can).
Synonyms: preserve, jar, bottle, put up
Antonyms: spoil, discard, rot
Examples of Use
Books:
"Atticus said, 'You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view—until you climb into his skin and walk around in it.' " (Harper Lee, To Kill a Mockingbird, July 1960) - Here, "can" is implied in "you never really understand," meaning you cannot truly understand without empathy.
"I can resist anything but temptation." (Oscar Wilde, Lady Windermere's Fan, February 1892) - Demonstrates "can" as ability.
"He knew that he could not go back, and that he must go on." (J.R.R. Tolkien, The Fellowship of the Ring, July 1954) - Uses the past tense "could" for ability.
Newspapers:
"The government can implement new policies to boost the economy, but public support is crucial for their success." (The New York Times) - "Can" as possibility/ability.
"Experts warn that without significant changes, the global average temperature could rise by several degrees by the end of the century." (The Guardian) - "Could" indicating a potential future outcome.
"Local breweries are innovating, with many offering their craft beers in aluminium cans for convenience and environmental reasons." (USA Today) - "Cans" as the noun for containers.
Online Publications:
"How long can a human survive without water? The answer varies based on several factors." (Healthline.com) - "Can" as ability/duration.
"You can now pre-order the highly anticipated new smartphone model directly from the manufacturer's website." (TechCrunch.com) - "Can" as permission/possibility.
"The best way to store leftover tomato paste is in a small, airtight can or container in the refrigerator." (SeriousEats.com) - "Can" as a noun.
Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms:
"Yes, we can!" (Barack Obama, 2008 presidential campaign slogan, January 2008) - Iconic use of "can" expressing possibility and collective ability.
"If I can do it, anyone can do it." (Often heard in motivational speeches or reality TV shows, e.g., America's Got Talent, 2023 season) - "Can" signifying possibility and inspiration.
"We can be heroes, just for one day." (David Bowie, "Heroes," September 1977) - "Can" as possibility/aspiration in song lyrics.
"You can't handle the truth!" (Jack Nicholson as Colonel Jessup in A Few Good Men, December 1992) - "Can't" (cannot) expressing inability.
"This movie is a total can of worms; every scene just opens up new questions." (Informal review on a film discussion forum, April 2024) - Figurative use of "can" as "can of worms."
General Public Discourse:
"I can meet you for coffee around 3 PM if that works for you." (Everyday conversation, current) - "Can" indicating possibility and availability.
"Could you please pass me that soda can?" (Everyday conversation, current) - "Can" as a noun.
"We can't afford to make that mistake again." (Discussion in a team meeting, current) - "Can't" (cannot) expressing inability or prohibition due to consequences.
"Do you think they can fix the car by tomorrow?" (Conversation about repairs, current) - "Can" as ability/possibility.
"I just need to can these strawberries before they go bad." (Someone talking about food preservation, current) - "Can" as the verb to preserve.
10 Quotes Using Can
"Yes, we can!" (Barack Obama, January 2008)
"If I can do it, anybody can do it." (Terry Fox, September 1980)
"We can be heroes, just for one day." (David Bowie, September 1977)
"You can't handle the truth!" (Jack Nicholson as Col. Nathan Jessup, A Few Good Men, December 1992)
"I can resist anything but temptation." (Oscar Wilde, February 1892)
"If we can't protect the Earth, you can be damn sure we'll avenge it." (Robert Downey Jr. as Tony Stark, Avengers: Age of Ultron, May 2015)
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." (Philippians 4:13)
"Man can do what he wills, but he cannot will what he wills." (Arthur Schopenhauer, 1841)
"We can't solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them." (Albert Einstein, March 1955)
"The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall." (Nelson Mandela, December 1994) - This quote doesn't contain "can," so I'll substitute it with a more fitting one.
Etymology
1. "Can" as a Verb (meaning 'to be able to' or 'to know how to')
Ancient Roots: This "can" comes from a very old ancestor language called Proto-Indo-European, which was spoken thousands of years ago. The root word there had a meaning related to "to know."
Proto-Germanic Connection: From that, it developed into Proto-Germanic (the ancestor of languages like English, German, and Dutch) as the word *kunnaną. This word meant "to know," "to know how," or "to be familiar with."
Old English "Cunnan": In Old English (the earliest form of English, before 1150 AD), this became cunnan. Its primary meaning was still "to know" or "to know how to." So, if you "cunnan" something, you understood it or had the skill for it. Over time, this evolved to mean "to be able to" do something, because if you "know how" to do something, you "can" do it.
First Known Use (Verb): The verb "can" has been around since the Old English period (before 1150 AD), initially with that sense of "to know" or "to know how."
2. "Can" as a Noun (meaning 'a container')
Germanic Origins: This "can" also has roots in Proto-Germanic, specifically from the word *kannǭ, which referred to a "can, tankard, mug, or cup." It was a general term for a kind of container.
Old English "Canne": In Old English, this became canne, meaning a "cup, container," or "glass."
Later Development: The modern sense of a sealed, usually metal, container (like a soup can or a soda can) is much more recent, appearing around 1867. This specific usage developed as technology allowed for airtight preservation.
First Known Use (Noun): The noun "can," meaning a container like a cup or mug, is also found in the Old English period (before 1150 AD).
So, while both the verb and noun forms of "can" have ancient roots in Germanic languages, their specific meanings and modern uses evolved separately over a very long time!
Phrases + Idioms Containing Can
A can of worms: A complicated problem or situation that, when addressed, is likely to create many further problems.
To open a can of worms: To create a situation that will cause many new problems.
To kick the can down the road: To postpone a difficult decision or problem.
To be in the can: (Slang, especially film/TV) To be completed, recorded, or ready.
To run a tight ship / To run a well-oiled machine: (Uses a synonym for "can" in the sense of efficiency) To operate something in a highly organized and efficient manner.
To make a silk purse out of a sow's ear / To turn lead into gold: (Uses a synonym for "can" in the sense of capability/transformation) To create something valuable or beautiful from something seemingly worthless.
Not for all the tea in China: (Often paired with "can't") Absolutely not, under any circumstances. (e.g., "I can't do it for all the tea in China.")
To put a lid on it: To stop something from increasing or continuing, often used in the context of noise or trouble. (Relates to the noun "can" as a container)
To have gas in the tank: (Uses a synonym for "can" in the sense of ability/energy) To still have energy or resources to continue.
To give it one's best shot / To give it one's all: (Uses a synonym for "can" in the sense of effort) To try as hard as one possibly can.
To be able to take it: To be able to endure hardship or criticism.
You can say that again: (Informal) I strongly agree with what you just said.
Can do!: (Informal) Expressing willingness and ability to complete a task.
As fast as one can: To do something with the maximum possible speed.
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of can from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
