Cannot

Definition

Cannot is a negative modal verb phrase meaning "unable to" or "not possible to do." It is used to indicate impossibility or lack of ability.

Parts of Speech

• Modal Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈkænɑt/ or /ˈkænət/
• Respelling: KAN-not or KAN-uht

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈkænɒt/ or /ˈkænət/
• Respelling: KAN-not or KAN-uht

The pronunciation of "cannot" is nearly identical in both American and British English, with slight regional differences in vowel sounds.

Etymology

The word "cannot" originates from Middle English "can not," combining the modal verb "can" (from Old English "cunnan," meaning "to be able") with "not" to form a negation. It later merged into a single word in the 15th century to signify impossibility or lack of ability.

Derivatives

• Can’t (contraction)
• Cannot-be (adjective)
• Uncannable (informal, adjective)
• Cannot-able (informal, adjective)
• Cannoted (informal, past tense)

Synonyms

• Unable
• Impossible
• Not capable

Antonyms

• Can
• Possible
• Capable

Usage

The term "cannot" is used to express impossibility or lack of ability, as in "She cannot attend the meeting" or "They cannot complete the project on time." It is a formal alternative to the contraction "can’t."

Related Terms

• Can: The affirmative modal verb meaning "able to" or "possible to do."
• Could: The past form of "can," used to express ability in the past.
• May not: Used to indicate possibility rather than ability.

Detailed Definitions

Modal Verb

• Indicates inability or impossibility: Used to negate the possibility of an action or state.
  • Example: "I cannot swim in deep water."