Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Cant Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

🎤
Add to dictionary

cant

[kænt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

music style

Cant refers to a style of singing or a particular manner of performing music, often associated with religious or folk traditions. It is frequently characterized by its ceremonial or ritualistic qualities. Cant can also pertain to a specific type of song or chant used in liturgical settings. The word often evokes a sense of solemnity or deep emotion in performance.

Synonyms

chant, hymn, liturgy.

Examples of usage

  • The choir performed a beautiful cant during the service.
  • She loves the cant of the old hymns.
  • His cant captured the audience's attention.
  • They sang a cant that echoed through the chapel.
Context #2 | Noun

hypocritical talk

Cant is also used to describe insincere, especially conventional phrases or sentiments that are generally applied in a manner intended to express a moral superiority. This meaning often relates to political or social discourse, where individuals or groups use jargon to convey virtue without substantive meaning behind their claims. It suggests a disingenuous posture, often leading to skepticism from listeners.

Synonyms

hypocrisy, insincerity, platitude.

Examples of usage

  • The politician's speech was full of cant.
  • She grew tired of his cant about social justice.
  • Their discussions were rife with cant rather than real solutions.
  • He dismissed the cant as mere rhetoric.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Linguistics

  • 'Cant' is often used to refer to insincere, especially conventional phrases in speeches or writing.
  • There are different types of cant, including social cant used in specific communities and political cant that tries to manipulate.

Pop Culture

  • Many authors, like George Orwell, criticized cant for its lack of clarity and sincerity, emphasizing straightforward language.
  • In music and literature, cant often appears in critiques of social issues, revealing how language can create distance from reality.

Psychology

  • People often use cant in conversation to fit in or appear more knowledgeable, which can hurt genuine communication.
  • Psychologically, the use of cant can lead to misunderstandings and decrease trust in conversations.

Literature

  • Notable literary figures, like Samuel Johnson, have pointed out the dangers of cant in their works, revealing its impact on society's language.
  • In narrative, characters using cant can be portrayed as insincere, adding depth to their motivations and relationships.

Origin of 'cant'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'cant' comes from the Old French word 'canter', meaning 'to sing' or 'to speak', which shows its roots in language.
  • Originally, 'cant' referred to the speech of beggars or those living on the fringes of society, often using secret language.
  • In the 18th century, 'cant' started to denote a specific jargon used by particular groups, especially in trades and professions.

The word 'cant' originates from the Middle English term 'cant', which derived from the Old French '-cant' meaning 'song', and from the Latin 'cantus', which also means 'song or chant'. This etymological lineage speaks to the term's deep roots in the singing tradition. Originally used to denote singing in religious contexts, the word evolved over time to encompass both musical and rhetorical connotations. The extended use of 'cant' in the 18th century emerged amidst growing concerns about the authenticity of moral discourse, leading to its current secondary meaning, which connotes insincerity. Today, 'cant' encompasses both reverent musical expression and the critique of superficial moralistic language.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #14,292, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.