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can

/ˈkæn/
verb

  1. (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?"

    Similar: be able to

  2. (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?"

    Similar: may

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

    "Animals can experience emotions."

Synonymsbe able to, cognize, grok, ken, may
Antonymscan't, cannot, can’t

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