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can

can

1.0
To be able to do something or for something to be possible
  • auxiliary
  • /kæn/
translation icon : poder
  • She can speak three languages fluently.

Examples

  • I can swim.

  • If we work together, we can finish the project on time.

  • If you practice every day, you can improve your skills quickly.

  • We can meet at the library after school if you are free.

  • You can!

  • With enough practice, I can play the guitar well.

  • She believes that anyone can achieve their dreams with hard work.

Antonyms

1.0

To not be able to do something

Idioms

in the can
  • Jargon
8 8.3

Finished and ready to be released, like a film

3 7.4

Create a difficult situation with many unexpected problems

1 8.9

Using whatever is available and acting without a plan

1 7.9

To accept blame or responsibility that others refuse

1 9.9

To attack or punish someone suddenly and violently, often for something they did

It happens very quickly

can a duck swim
  • Informal
9.5

A question people ask to show the answer is clearly yes

7.0

Challenge someone to try to reach or pass you

To do something as well as you can given the situation

To the same degree as anyone else

Try again to do something after failing

To not recognize someone at all because you have never met them

Start with basic skills before trying harder tasks

spam in a can
  • Informal
8.6

A thing that is cheap and has little value

9.9

Not able to deal with things because you feel overwhelmed or exhausted

Compounds

134 4.2

Being positive and willing to try difficult tasks

72 1.0

A container for holding rubbish until it is collected

60 1.0

A bin with a lid that holds household waste until someone takes it away

23 1.0

A small metal container you open to drink beer

18 1.0

A tool that opens metal cans by cutting the lid

can of worms
  • Informal
17 6.5

A situation that causes many new problems when you start it

9 1.0

A small metal container that holds one fizzy drink

7 1.0

A small metal container for keeping food or drink

6 1.0

A metal or plastic container used to store ground coffee

5 2.4

A small container that sprays liquid or gas when you press a button

A positive, confident way of dealing with tasks and problems

3 3.9

A small metal or plastic container that holds liquid under pressure and sprays a fine mist

3 1.0

A container with a handle and spout for pouring water on plants

can of corn
  • Archaic
1 9.0

An easy catch in baseball or a very simple task

can-kicking
  • Literature
1 9.5

Putting off dealing with a difficult issue instead of making a decision now

A 2002 American film by Steven Spielberg starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Tom Hanks

1 1.6

A large metal container with a lid used to store and carry milk

tin can
  • Jargon
1 8.4

A small fast warship with light armor used in battle

trash can
  • Specialized
1 2.9

A place on a computer where deleted files stay before they are removed for good

booze can
  • Informal
9.9

A can holding beer or another alcoholic drink

can buoy
  • Specialized
8.4

A floating marker like a metal drum that shows a channel edge or danger in the water

dunny can
  • Australian
9.9

A portable toilet with a removable waste container

Ash Can
  • Archaic
9.5

A style of early 1900s American painting showing real, often hard city life

A spray you use to clean your body when there is no water

How Certain

must
6 1.0
can
1.0
could
1.0
may
1.0

Surface Forms

can infinitive
can third person singular
could past

Etymology

Can comes from an old English verb cunnan, which meant 'to know' or 'to have skill'. So can changed from the idea 'know how' to mean 'be able' or 'it is possible', which is how we use it today.