earlier tense could /k?d/ /?k?d/ current tense for equally singular and plural can detrimental are not able to /?kæn?t/ /k??n??t/ Brit /?kæn?t/ or are unable to /?kænt/ Brit /?k??nt/ Britannica Dictionary definition of CAN [modal verb] 1  : to be able to (do a thing) I don't want any assistance. I can: a typically cylindrical receptacle: a : a