cannot
Definition from Wiktionary, a free dictionary
Contents |
[edit] English
[edit] Pronunciation
- (RP) IPA: /ˈkænɒt/, SAMPA: /"k{nQt/
- (GenAm) IPA: /ˈkænɑt/, SAMPA: /"k{nAt/
- Audio (US)help, file
- Hyphenation: can‧not
[edit] Contraction
cannot
- can not ( = am/is/are unable to); contracted into can't (see the usage notes)
- I cannot open the window. It is stuck.
- am/are/is forbidden, not permitted to
- You cannot enter the hall without a ticket.
[edit] Usage notes
Cannot is frequently but mistakenly written as can not, yet these have quite different meanings. In cannot (or can't), the particle not is related to can, whereas in can not the particle not is related to the verb following can. Consider the following remarks about squares on a chess-board:
- A chess square can be white. This is true.
- A chess square can not be white. This is also true, since it can equally be black. ( = A chess square is able to be not white.)
- A chess square cannot be white. This is false. ( = A chess square is unable to be white.)
- A chess square cannot be red. This is true (on any normal board). ( = A chess square is unable to be red.)
[edit] Translations
See can and apply the grammar of the required language for forming negatives.
[edit] Anagrams
[edit] Jèrriais
[edit] Noun
cannot m.
