Cant
/kænt/
Definitions
3 meaningsSpecialized or peculiar vocabulary or jargon of a particular group.
/kænt/
Slang or Jargon
The thieves communicated using a secret cant.
💡 Simply: Secret language or jargon.
More Examples
The technical cant confused the layman.
How It's Used
"He spoke in a cant I didn't understand."
An oblique or sloping surface; a tilt.
/kænt/
Inclined Surface
The ship listed to port with a noticeable cant.
💡 Simply: A slanted surface.
More Examples
The artist adjusted the canvas to change the cant.
How It's Used
"The cant of the roof was steep."
To tilt or slant.
/kænt/
To Tilt or Slant
The strong wind canted the sailboat.
💡 Simply: To make something tilt.
More Examples
He canted his head to listen more closely.
How It's Used
"The wind canted the boat."
From Middle English *caunten, from Old French *chanter, from Latin *cantare, meaning "to sing". The modern meanings evolved from earlier uses relating to speaking or expressing oneself.
The word 'cant' has a long history, evolving from its original meaning of 'song' to its modern usage. Its association with specialized language likely emerged from its use in secret or coded communication.
Memory tip
Think 'can't understand' - it's language you can't easily grasp.
Word Origin
"to sing"