cancel
Elementary (A2)
IPA: /ˈkænsl/
KK: /ˈkænsl/
intransitive verb
Definition
To stop something from happening or to make it no longer valid.
Example
The event was canceled due to bad weather.
Tense Forms
Past: canceled
Past Participle: canceled
Conversation
I thought we were going to the concert tonight.
Yeah, but I heard they might cancel it because of the weather.
That would be such a bummer if they cancel it last minute.
I know, right? Let's hope they find a way to still have it.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
negate
void
counter
Antonyms
confirm
validate
uphold
noun
Definition
The act of stopping something from happening or making it no longer valid.
Example
The cancel of the event was announced due to bad weather.
Conversation
Did you see that they had to issue a cancel for the event tonight?
Yeah, I heard something about the weather being too bad.
I was really looking forward to it, but I guess a cancel makes sense now.
transitive verb
Definition
To make something no longer valid or to stop it from happening, often by officially removing it or declaring it void.
Example
I had to cancel my appointment because I was feeling unwell.
Tense Forms
Past: canceled
Past Participle: canceled
Conversation
Did you hear they might cancel the concert this weekend?
Really? I hope not, I was looking forward to it.
Yeah, I guess they have some issues with the venue.
Root Explanation
Cancel → It is formed from "cancellare" (meaning to cross out or make void) which comes from "cancelli" (meaning lattice or crossbars). The word originally referred to the act of crossing out or nullifying something, like drawing a line through it.
Memory Tip
Think of crossing something out with a line — that's what 'cancel' means, to make something void or null.
Visually Confused Words
chancel
canel
recancel
tancel
rancel
crance
chance
carcel