Part of Speech

Verb

Pronunciation

/ˈkænsl/

Definitions

• To decide or announce that something planned will not happen or is no longer valid.
• To annul or revoke a previous decision or transaction.
• To stop something from continuing or being effective.
• To invalidate a particular action, decision, or commitment.

Usage Examples

• "They decided to cancel the event due to bad weather."
• "The subscription was canceled after the free trial period expired."
• "I had to cancel my meeting because of an unexpected emergency."

Etymology

Derived from the Latin word "cancellare," meaning "to make a cross mark on," later evolving to mean "to annul" or "to strike out." The word passed into Old French and then into English in the 14th century.

Synonyms

• Annul
• Abort
• Revoke
• Invalidate
• Nullify
• Rescind

Antonyms

• Confirm
• Approve
• Validate
• Authorize
• Affirm

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

• In some regions of the UK, "cancel" is pronounced with a softer "c," as /ˈkænsl/.
• In American English, the pronunciation is more clipped, with emphasis on the first syllable.

Historical Usage

The word "cancel" originated in the late 14th century from the Latin "cancellare," which meant "to cross out" or "to annul." It was commonly used in the context of legal and official documents to invalidate or nullify agreements and orders.

Cultural Nuances

The act of cancellation holds significant cultural weight, especially in contexts such as appointments, bookings, and commitments. In modern times, the term has also taken on new meanings, especially in social media, where "cancel culture" refers to the act of publicly calling out individuals for their actions or statements.

More Information

"Cancel" is a commonly used term in both personal and professional settings. It is often used in relation to appointments, plans, events, and agreements. Its usage has extended into digital platforms and services, where it is now used in the context of subscriptions, orders, and interactions.