cannot

American  

[kan-ot, ka-not, kuh-] / ˈkæn ɒt, kæˈnɒt, kə- /

verb

1. a form of can not.

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idioms

1. cannot but, have no alternative but to.

   We cannot but choose otherwise.

cannot British  

/ kæˈnɒt, ˈkænɒt /

verb

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

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cannot More Idioms  

1. see under can't.

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Spelling

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.

Etymology

Origin of cannot

A Middle English word dating back to 1350–1400

Compare meaning

How does cannot compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• can't vs. cannot

Example Sentences

This the state cannot do; for most of American history, states banned concealed carry but permitted open carry.

From Los Angeles Times

"But only six classrooms per shift. There is a large displacement camp next to the school - families from northern and eastern Gaza. Many children want to enrol. We simply cannot take them."

From BBC

If any of the players cannot come to an agreement, the team and player must exchange salary figures and a hearing will be scheduled.

From Los Angeles Times

“Public safety should be item No. 1 — if they cannot provide public safety, what are they doing?”

From Los Angeles Times

“The Court recognized it cannot add words to the Wyoming Constitution, that’s not its job,” they wrote.

From Salon