cannot

[ kan-ot, ka-not, kuh- ]

verb

1. a form of can not.

cannot

/ kæˈnɒt; ˈkænɒt /

verb

1. an auxiliary verb expressing incapacity, inability, withholding permission, etc; can not

Spelling Note

Cannot is sometimes also spelled can not. The one-word spelling is by far the more common: Interest rates simply cannot continue at their present level. The contraction can't is most common in speech and informal writing.

Word History and Origins

Origin of cannot¹

A Middle English word dating back to 1350–1400

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. cannot but, have no alternative but to:

   We cannot but choose otherwise.

More idioms and phrases containing cannot

see under can't .

Example Sentences

If your visa is refused, you’ll be handed a boilerplate notice stating that the decision is final and cannot be appealed.

From Los Angeles Times

Owing to her Western spunk, talent for deduction, ability to identify a tobacco scent Holmes cannot and the detective’s need for a sidekick, she’s made his assistant.

From Los Angeles Times

Los Angeles cannot thrive if there is one community of people safely in homes and another forced onto the sidewalks.

From Los Angeles Times

On Monday, Trump and his staff made it abundantly clear that they intend to reject the Supreme Court's ruling that they cannot illegally imprison innocent people in a concentration camp in El Salvador.

From Salon

"Financial security cannot be defined solely by the figures; it is about striking a balance between being prepared and having peace of mind"

From Salon