Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s Dictionary полностью

8 MODAL You use can , usually in questions, in order to make suggestions or to offer to do something. □  This old lady was struggling out of the train and I said, 'Oh, can I help you?'. □  Hello John. What can we do for you? □  You can always try the beer you know–it's usually all right in this bar.

9 MODAL You use can in questions in order to make polite requests. You use can't in questions in order to request strongly that someone does something. [POLITENESS ] □  Can I have a look at that? □  Can you please help? □  Can you fill in some of the details of your career? □  Why can't you leave me alone?

10 MODAL You use can as a polite way of interrupting someone or of introducing what you are going to say next. [FORMAL , SPOKEN ] □  Can I interrupt you just for a minute? □  But if I can interrupt, Joe, I don't think anybody here is personally blaming you.

11 MODAL You use can with verbs such as 'imagine', 'think', and 'believe' in order to emphasize how you feel about a particular situation. [INFORMAL or SPOKEN , EMPHASIS ] □  You can imagine he was terribly upset. □  You can't think how glad I was to see them all go.

12 MODAL You use can in questions with 'how' to indicate that you feel strongly about something. [SPOKEN , EMPHASIS ] □  How can you complain about higher taxes? □  How can you say such a thing? □  How can you expect me to believe your promises?

➋ can /kæ n/ (cans , canning , canned )

1 N‑COUNT A can is a metal container in which something such as food, drink, or paint is put. The container is usually sealed to keep the contents fresh. □  …empty beer cans. □ [+ of ] …cans of paint and brushes.

2 VERB [usu passive] When food or drink is canned , it is put into a metal container and sealed so that it will remain fresh. □ [be V -ed] …fruits and vegetables that will be canned, skinned, diced or otherwise processed. □ [V -ed] It was always roast lamb and canned peas for Sunday lunch.

3 N‑SING The can is the toilet. [AM , INFORMAL ]

4 VERB If you are canned , you are dismissed from your job. [AM , INFORMAL ] □ [be V -ed] The extremists prevailed, and the security minister was canned.

5 → see also canned

Ca|na|dian /kəne I diən/ (Canadians )

1 ADJ Canadian means belonging or relating to Canada, or to its people or culture.

2 N‑COUNT A Canadian is a Canadian citizen, or a person of Canadian origin.

ca|nal /kənæ l/ (canals )

1 N‑COUNT A canal is a long, narrow stretch of water that has been made for boats to travel along or to bring water to a particular area. □  …the Grand Union Canal. □  …Venetian canals and bridges.

2 N‑COUNT A canal is a narrow tube inside your body for carrying food, air, or other substances. □  …delaying the food's progress through the alimentary canal.

ca|na l boat (canal boats ) N‑COUNT A canal boat is a long, narrow boat used for travelling on canals.

cana|pé /kæ nəpe I / (canapés ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Canapés are small pieces of biscuit or toast with food such as meat, cheese, or pâté on top. They are often served with drinks at parties.

ca|nard /kæ nɑː ^r d, [AM ] kənɑː rd/ (canards ) N‑COUNT A canard is an idea or a piece of information that is false, especially one that is spread deliberately in order to harm someone or their work. □  The charge that Harding was a political stooge may be a canard.

ca|nary /kəneə ri/ (canaries ) N‑COUNT Canaries are small yellow birds which sing beautifully and are often kept as pets.

ca|na ry ye l|low COLOUR Something that is canary yellow is a light yellow in colour. □  …a canary yellow dress.

ca n-can N‑SING The can-can is a dance in which women kick their legs in the air to fast music. □  …can-can dancers from the Moulin Rouge.