cant etymology

Etymology:

• From Middle English "canten," ultimately from Old French "chantere" (to sing), from Vulgar Latin "*cantare," from Latin "canere" (to sing).

Meaning:

• To produce vocal sounds in a pleasing or expressive manner.
• To utter words or syllables in a musical tone.
• To make a sound resembling singing, such as the chirping of birds.

Origin:

• The word "cant" derives from the Proto-Indo-European root "*kan-" (to resound), which is also the origin of words like "chanter," "canticle," and "incantation."
• The original meaning of "cant" was "to sing," and it was used in this sense in the Middle Ages.
• Over time, the meaning of "cant" evolved to include speaking in a formal or insincere manner, or using jargon or slang. This usage is first attested in the 16th century.
• In the 20th century, "cant" acquired the additional meaning of "to talk nonsense" or "to brag."

Usage Notes:

• "Cant" can be used either as a transitive or intransitive verb.
• It is often used in a negative sense, implying that the singing or speaking is insincere or artificial.
• The noun form of "cant," "cantus," refers to a melody or chant.

cant relate terms

• canting

  Etymology The word canting is derived from the Middle English word canten meaning t

• cant

  Etymology From Middle English canten ultimately from Old French chantere to sing

• argot

  Etymology From French argot from Old Occitan argot beggars slang jargon perhaps

• cant

  Etymology From Middle English canten ultimately from Old French chantere to sing

• canton

  Etymology The word canton originates from the Old French term canton which itself d

• change

  Etymology Etymology is the study of the origin and development of words It traces words

• decant

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• bludgeon

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• made

  Etymology make verb Old English macian to compose or construct from Proto Germani

• frightful

  Etymology The word frightful comes from the Old English word frihtlic meaning full

• no frills

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• slope

  Etymology The word slope is derived from the Middle English word slope which origin

• slang

  Etymology of Slang Originated in the 18th century as a shortening of slangwhanger a

• splay

  Etymology English splay Middle English spleyen Old English splecgan Meaning To