Canst: meaning, definitions and examples
๐๏ธ
canst
[ kรฆnst ]
archaic usage
The term 'canst' is an archaic second person singular form of the verb 'can'. It is used primarily in historical or literary contexts, often found in older texts such as the King James Bible or the works of Shakespeare. In modern English, 'canst' is rarely used, as the more common forms 'can' and 'can't' have taken its place. It expresses ability or possibility, similar to its modern counterpart.
Synonyms
be able to, can.
Examples of usage
- Thou canst do it if thou try.
- If thou canst read this, thou art wise.
- Canst thou imagine the world without music?
- I pray you, canst thou help me?
- Verily, if thou canst believe, all things are possible.
Translations
Translations of the word "canst" in other languages:
๐ต๐น pode
๐ฎ๐ณ เคเคฐ เคธเคเคคเคพ เคนเฅ
๐ฉ๐ช kann
๐ฎ๐ฉ dapat
๐บ๐ฆ ะผะพะถะต
๐ต๐ฑ moลผe
๐ฏ๐ต ใงใใ
๐ซ๐ท peut
๐ช๐ธ puede
๐น๐ท yapabilir
๐ฐ๐ท ํ ์ ์๋ค
๐ธ๐ฆ ูู ูู
๐จ๐ฟ mลฏลพe
๐ธ๐ฐ mรดลพe
๐จ๐ณ ๅฏไปฅ
๐ธ๐ฎ lahko
๐ฎ๐ธ getur
๐ฐ๐ฟ ะผาฏะผะบัะฝ
๐ฌ๐ช แจแแฃแซแแแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ ola bilษr
๐ฒ๐ฝ puede
Etymology
The word 'canst' originates from the Old English 'cunnan', which means 'to know' or 'to be able to.' It has evolved over the centuries, with the form 'can' emerging in Middle English as a general term for expressing ability. In the transition from Old to Middle English, the conjugation shifted, producing forms like 'canst' for the second person singular. This reflects the ways in which English has adapted and simplified over time. As English continued to evolve, especially with the Great Vowel Shift and the influence of other languages due to conquest and trade, many of the archaic forms began to fall out of general use. 'Canst' primarily remained in poetic or formal contexts, used to evoke a sense of antiquity or to emulate a historical style. These usages can be prominently seen in works by notable authors such as William Shakespeare, John Milton, and the translators of the Bible.