Can Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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can

[kæn ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Modal verb}

ability

Used to indicate ability or possibility.

Synonyms

be able to, have the ability to, have the capacity to.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
can	Use in informal settings to express general ability or permission. I can swim. Can I borrow your pen?
be able to	Used for more formal settings or to emphasize the effort needed to achieve something. She will be able to complete the project on time. He was able to overcome his fears.
have the ability to	Suitable for formal contexts and often used to highlight specific skills or talents. She has the ability to solve complex problems. He has the ability to play multiple instruments.
have the capacity to	Typically used in formal or technical contexts to refer to having the potential or capability, often in a broader or more systemic sense. This system has the capacity to handle large amounts of data. He has the capacity to inspire others.

Examples of usage

I can speak English fluently.
She can run faster than him.
Can you help me with this problem?
We can finish the project by tomorrow.
Can you believe what he just said?

^{Context #2 | Noun}

container

A cylindrical metal container.

Synonyms

container, tin, tin can.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
can	Also refers to the ability to do something. This is not related to the physical object and refers to a different meaning. I can swim. Can you help me with this?
tin	Primarily used in British English to refer to a small metal container, especially one for food. It can also refer to a thin metal sheet. He opened a tin of biscuits. The roof was repaired with a piece of tin.
container	A general term for any object that can hold or store items, often used in a variety of contexts including kitchen, storage, and shipping. She put the leftovers in a container. The shipping container was loaded onto the truck.
tin can	Specifically refers to a cylindrical metal container, mostly for food storage. Often implies a basic or low-cost item. They served fish from a tin can. We keep spare nails in an old tin can.

Examples of usage

He opened a can of soda.
She used a can to store the leftover food.
The soup was stored in a can.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'can'

The word 'can' has a fascinating history, originating from the Old English word 'cunnan' meaning 'to know, know how to, be able'. Over time, it evolved to be used as a modal verb indicating ability or possibility. The noun form of 'can' as a cylindrical metal container has its roots in the late 14th century, from Old French 'canne' meaning 'container, vessel'. Today, 'can' is a versatile word used in various contexts across languages.

See also: canal, cane, canine, caning, canister, canning, cannot, canopy, canteen, could.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #20, this is one of the most fundamental words in English. It's absolutely essential to master this word as it forms the backbone of English communication and appears in almost every conversation or text.

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17 one
18 they
19 will
20 can
21 would
22 other
23 more
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