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can

/ˈkæn/

verb

Meaning

  • (auxiliary verb, defective) To know how to; to be able to.

    "She can speak English, French, and German.   I can play football.   Can you remember your fifth birthday?"

  • (modal auxiliary verb, defective) May; to be permitted or enabled to.

    "You can go outside and play when you're finished with your homework.   Can I use your pen?"

  • (modal auxiliary verb, defective) To have the potential to; be possible.

    "Animals can experience emotions."

  • (auxiliary verb, defective) Used with verbs of perception.

    "Can you hear that?."

  • To know.

Synonyms

be able to,
cognize,
grok,
ken,
may