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Simple English definitions for legal terms
can
Read a random definition: REG.
A quick definition of can:
Term: CAN
Definition: Can means being able to do something or having permission to do something. For example, if you can lift 500 pounds, it means you have the ability to lift that much weight. If a court says you can't file an appeal until you pay a fee, it means you don't have permission to file until you pay the fee.
A more thorough explanation:
Definition: Can is a verb that means:
- To have the ability or skill to do something. For example, "I can speak Spanish fluently."
- To have permission to do something. For example, "You can't enter the building without a valid ID."
The word "can" is often used to express ability or permission in everyday conversations.
- "I can run a mile in under 10 minutes."
- "Can I borrow your pen for a moment?"
- "You can't smoke in this area."
The first example illustrates the ability meaning of "can" by showing that the speaker has the skill to run a mile in under 10 minutes. The second example illustrates the permission meaning of "can" by asking for permission to borrow a pen. The third example also illustrates the permission meaning of "can" by stating that smoking is not allowed in a certain area.