Want to say can differently? Here are other words for can and its similar synonyms and opposite words to say in unique way.
Meaning of can
The primary meaning of the word "can" is to be able to do something, or to have the ability or skill to do something.
Etymology of can
The word "can" originates from Old English "cann", which is derived from the Proto-Germanic word "kunniz" and the Proto-Indo-European root "gne-", both of which convey the idea of knowing or being able to do something.
Historically, the word "can" has been used to express ability, capability, or knowledge since the 9th century.
Synonyms
be able to
have the ability to
be capable of
know how to
be skilled at
be proficient in
be adept at
be competent in
be qualified to
be fit to
be strong enough
have the power to
have the capacity to
be in a position to
be entitled to
have the right to
have the authority to
be permitted to
be allowed to
may
might
shall
should
will
would
could
ought to
be allowed
have permission
get
obtain
acquire
gain
learn
master
understand
comprehend
grasp
apprehend
Definitions
- Used to express ability or capability
- * Used to express permission or authorization
- * Used to express possibility or potential
Usage Examples
- I can speak three languages.
- * You can borrow my car if you need it.
- * She can play the piano beautifully.
- * They can attend the meeting if they want to.
Antonyms
cannot
be unable to
be incapable of
lack the ability to
be unskilled at
be incompetent in
be unfit to
be too weak to
have no power to
have no capacity to
be in no position to
be not entitled to
have no right to
have no authority to
be forbidden to
be prohibited from
may not
might not
shall not
should not
will not
would not
could not
ought not to
be unable
have no permission
be prevented from
be restricted from