Cant

/kænt/

Meaning & Definition

noun

Insincere, especially conventional expressions of enthusiasm for high ideals, goodness, or piety.

The politician's speech was full of cant that failed to address the real issues facing the community.

The specialized vocabulary of a particular group or profession; jargon.

The doctors spoke in cant that was difficult for the average person to understand.

A particular form of language or slang used by a specific group.

The musicians had their own cant that made it hard for outsiders to follow their conversations.

verb

To talk in a singsong manner; to sing or chant.

The children cant as they march in the school parade, making the event more cheerful.

To tilt or incline to one side.

The roof began to cant after the heavy snowfall, causing concern for the homeowners.

Middle English 'cant' meaning 'to sing' or 'to talk in a singsong manner', from Old French 'canter', from Latin 'cantare'.

canting phrase

A phrase used by someone who is not sincere about their beliefs.

cant of piety

Insincere displays of religious devotion.

cantabile

A term in music meaning 'in a singing style'.

cantor

A person who leads the singing in a church.

A term used to describe excessive, empty words or phrases.

That business pitch was just a lot of cant.

To discuss or engage in insincere talk.

Stop canting and get to the point.