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- Dictionarycant/kant/
noun
- 1. hypocritical and sanctimonious talk, typically of a moral, religious, or political nature: "he had no time for the cant of the priests about sin" Similar Opposite
- 2. language peculiar to a specified group or profession and regarded with disparagement: "thieves' cant" Similar
verb
- 1. talk hypocritically and sanctimoniously about something: dated "if they'd stop canting about “honest work,” they might get somewhere"
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Learn the various meanings and uses of the word cant, from hypocritical speech to slanting surface. See synonyms, examples, etymology, and related words for cant.
Cant is a noun that means statements, especially on religious or moral subjects, that are not sincerely believed by the person making them. It can also mean special words used by a particular group of people, often in order to keep things secret.
Cant has multiple meanings, such as insincere talk, private language, oblique angle, or a contraction of cannot. Learn how to use cant in different contexts and avoid confusion with similar words.
Can't is the short form of cannot, which means not able to do something. It is often used to suggest that someone should do something, especially when it seems obvious. See examples, synonyms and translations of can't.
Cant is language repeated so often and so mechanically that it's essentially empty of meaning. Cant can also mean the specialized jargon of a particular group — like the "cant of piracy" (e.g., Ahoy! Lubber! Arrr!).
noun. 1. insincere talk, esp concerning religion or morals; pious platitudes. 2. stock phrases that have become meaningless through repetition. 3. specialized vocabulary of a particular group, such as thieves, journalists, or lawyers; jargon. 4. singsong whining speech, as used by beggars.
Cant has multiple meanings, such as a slanting angle, a private language, or a whining speech. Learn the differences, examples, and origins of cant from various sources and dictionaries.