How Do You Spell CANT?

Pronunciation: [kˈant] (IPA)

The spelling of the word "cant" can be confusing as it can have two different meanings and pronunciations. When used to describe a language or dialect spoken by a particular group, it is pronounced /kænt/ with a short 'a' sound. However, when used to mean "insincere or hypocritical talk," it is pronounced /kɑːnt/ with a longer 'a' sound. Despite the different pronunciations, the spelling remains the same, adding an extra layer of difficulty for those learning the English language.

Meaning and Definition
Top Common Misspellings
Other Common Misspellings
Etymology
Idioms
Similar spelling words
Plural
Conjugate verb
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CANT Meaning and Definition

  1. Cant has several distinct meanings depending on the context in which it is used. In general, cant refers to a form of language or jargon that is specific to a certain group or profession, often used to exclude or confuse outsiders. It is characterized by the use of particular vocabulary, phrases, or expressions that hold meaning only within the particular group or industry utilizing it.

    In a more specific sense, cant also refers to hypocritical or insincere speech or mannerisms. It involves the use of language that is meant to deceive or mislead others, often by creating a false impression of virtue or knowledge. This usage suggests a form of language that lacks genuine substance or honesty.

    Additionally, cant can refer to the inclination or tendency to hold and express strong, stubborn, or biased opinions, especially on religious or political matters. It implies a certain inflexibility or narrow-mindedness in one's beliefs, often accompanied by an unwillingness to consider alternative viewpoints.

    Overall, cant encompasses linguistic and behavioral phenomena related to exclusive language, insincerity, and bias. Its diverse meanings highlight the different ways in which language can be used to manipulate, exclude, or adhere to rigid belief systems.

  2. • To speak in a whining tone of voice.
    • Whining affected speech; hypocritical jargon; slang.
    • To pitch forward; to place upon the edge, as a cask; to jerk; to throw; among carpen., to cut off an angle from a square piece of timber.
    • An inclination from a horizontal line; a thrust; a push.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Top Common Misspellings for CANT *

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for CANT

Etymology of CANT

The word "cant" has multiple etymological origins and has developed different meanings over time. Here are the main origins of the word:

1. From Latin: The word "cant" has roots in Latin. It comes from the Latin verb "cantare", which means "to sing" or "to chant". In Medieval Latin, it evolved to "cantus", meaning "a song" or "singing". This Latin root is still present in modern English words like "chant" and "incantation".

2. From Old English: Another etymology of "cant" is from Old English. It is derived from the Old English word "cant", which means "bold" or "brave". This Old English term is now obsolete and is not commonly used.

Idioms with the word CANT

  • sb cant be bothered to do sth The idiom "sb can't be bothered to do sth" means that someone is not willing or motivated enough to make the effort or take the time to do a particular task or activity.

Similar spelling words for CANT

Plural form of CANT is CANTS

Conjugate verb Cant

CONDITIONAL PERFECT

I would have canted
you would have canted
he/she/it would have canted
we would have canted
they would have canted
I would have cant
you would have cant
he/she/it would have cant
we would have cant
they would have cant

CONDITIONAL PERFECT PROGRESSIVE

I would have been canting
you would have been canting
he/she/it would have been canting
we would have been canting
they would have been canting

CONDITIONAL PRESENT

I would cant
you would cant
he/she/it would cant
we would cant
they would cant

CONDITIONAL PRESENT PROGRESSIVE

I would be canting
you would be canting
he/she/it would be canting
we would be canting
they would be canting

FUTURE

I will cant
you will cant
he/she/it will cant
we will cant
they will cant

FUTURE CONTINUOUS

I will be canting
you will be canting
he/she/it will be canting
we will be canting
they will be canting

FUTURE PERFECT

I will have canted
you will have canted
he/she/it will have canted
we will have canted
they will have canted

FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I will have been canting
you will have been canting
he/she/it will have been canting
we will have been canting
they will have been canting

IMPERATIVE

you cant
we let´s cant

NONFINITE VERB FORMS

to cant

PAST CONTINUOUS

I was canting
you were canting
he/she/it was canting
we were canting
they were canting

PAST PARTICIPLE

canted

PAST PERFECT

I had canted
you had canted
he/she/it had canted
we had canted
they had canted

PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I had been canting
you had been canting
he/she/it had been canting
we had been canting
they had been canting

PRESENT

I cant
you cant
he/she/it cants
we cant
they cant

PRESENT CONTINUOUS

I am canting
you are canting
he/she/it is canting
we are canting
they are canting

PRESENT PARTICIPLE

canting

PRESENT PERFECT

I have canted
you have canted
he/she/it has canted
we have canted
they have canted

PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I have been canting
you have been canting
he/she/it has been canting
we have been canting
they have been canting

PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE

he/she/it cant

SIMPLE PAST

I canted
you canted
he/she/it canted
we canted
they canted

Infographic

Correct spelling for cant
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