What is the meaning of cancel and how is it used in English and other languages?
Understanding the cancel meaning is vital for students as this word often appears in textbooks, forms, apps, and conversations. This topic page explains cancel meaning, its correct usage, common errors, simple synonyms, and practical examples. Students will also learn its translation in key Indian languages and how to use “cancel” confidently in daily situations. All content is student-friendly and easy to follow.
What Cancel meaning Means in English
Definition: Cancel is a verb that means to stop something from taking place, to call off an arrangement, or to make it invalid. The word is mostly formal but is widely used in daily life, both for official and personal plans. In modern culture, “cancel” can also appear as a noun or in online slang (cancel culture).
| Language | Word | Script |
|---|---|---|
| Hindi | रद्द | Radd |
| Bengali | বাতিল | Batil |
| Urdu | منسوخ | Mansookh |
| Tamil | ரத்து | Raththu |
How to Use Cancel meaning in Sentences
Here are student-level examples of how to use “cancel” in English sentences:
1. The meeting was canceled due to bad weather.
2. Please cancel my subscription.
3. Sara had to cancel her trip at the last minute.
4. The principal will cancel the event if it rains.
The word “cancel” is always used as a verb in these cases. In informal digital contexts, like “cancel culture,” it means to reject or boycott someone.
Common Mistakes and Quick Fix
Common mistakes:
- Spelling: Writing “cancle” instead of “cancel.”
- Usage: Confusing “cancel” with “delete.”
- Double l: Using British (cancelled) vs American (canceled) spelling.
Quick Fix: Always spell it “cancel,” use “canceled/cancelled” for the past form, and remember “cancel” means to stop, while “delete” means to remove.
Explore more English meanings and examples
Antonyms: approve, confirm, continue.
Sample Speeches/Essays on Cancel Meaning
The word “cancel” is widely used in English to mean stopping or ending something planned, such as events, orders, or subscriptions. For example, if a student cannot attend a class, they may have to cancel their registration. In digital settings, to cancel often means to make something void, like canceling an app subscription. Mistakenly, students often use “cancel” when they mean “delete”; however, “cancel” stops an action from happening, while “delete” removes it completely. The term also appears in modern discussions, like “cancel culture,” reflecting a trend of rejecting or boycotting public personalities online. Synonyms include annul, revoke, or call off. Knowing the correct spelling (not “cancle”) and when to use “canceled” (US English) or “cancelled” (UK English) is very helpful for students.
“Cancel” is a common English verb that students encounter in both formal and informal settings. Its basic meaning is to stop, annul, or call off something that was scheduled or ongoing. For instance, if a cricket match is canceled due to rain, it means the event will not take place. In personal contexts, people may cancel appointments or subscriptions. Mistakes happen when “cancel” is confused with “delete.” Deleting something removes it, while canceling means stopping it from happening or invalidating it. The word takes various forms: “canceled” or “cancelled” (past tense), depending on American or British English spelling. In today’s online world, “cancel” has also become slang, especially in discussions of “cancel culture”—the act of withdrawing support for a celebrity or public figure due to their actions or opinions. Synonyms for cancel include revoke, void, annul, or abolish. Antonyms are continue or confirm. Translations in Hindi, Bengali, and Urdu (रद्द, বাতিল, منسوخ) ensure that non-English speakers understand its meaning in local contexts. Students can use “cancel” in academic writing, personal communication, and digital interactions. Paying attention to proper spelling, context, and sentence structure avoids confusion. Learning how to use “cancel” properly helps students grasp other related vocabulary, such as “revoke” or “delete,” and improves their overall command of English.
The word “cancel” holds a significant place in the English language and is vital for everyday communication, especially for students. To cancel something means to stop or call off an action that has already been planned. For example, if the school announces a holiday due to rain, it cancels all classes for the day. In formal situations, we use “cancel” to invalidate an agreement, contract, or meeting. On a digital level, we often see “cancel” as an option on websites, apps, and forms, where it allows users to stop an action or return to a previous step. It differs from “delete,” which means to remove something completely: canceling stops further action, whereas deleting removes the existing content. In modern slang, “cancel” has taken on a new meaning, referring to the act of publicly rejecting a person or idea—commonly known as “cancel culture.” This slang use has become popular online and in social media debates.
Students might come across mistakes like writing “cancle” (incorrect) instead of “cancel.” In spelling, “canceled” is American English, and “cancelled” is preferred in British English, but both are correct. Knowing the translation is helpful: “cancel” in Hindi is “रद्द” (radd), in Bengali “বাতিল” (batil), and in Urdu “منسوخ” (mansookh). Synonyms include annul, revoke, abolish, or void. The opposite words are confirm, approve, or continue. Understanding when and how to use “cancel” is essential while writing essays, giving speeches, or filling out forms. Here are some examples: 1. The manager canceled the interview. 2. The system will cancel your order if payment fails. 3. Please cancel my library membership. By learning the true meaning and using “cancel” correctly, students can become more confident in academic and real-life communication. Mastery of such terms builds a strong foundation in English, supporting success at school, in tests, and beyond.
Learning the correct cancel meaning empowers students to use the word accurately in both academic and real-world contexts. Knowing its translation, sentence usage, and differences from related terms helps avoid confusion. Practice, attention to spelling, and understanding slang uses will help you master this concept. With Vedantu, strengthen your English skills for better communication every day.
FAQs on Cancel Meaning: Complete Definitions, Translations, Synonyms & Examples
1. What does “cancel” mean in English?
Cancel means to stop something from happening or to call off a planned event or action. In English writing, it is a formal word used in various contexts.
Common usages include:
• To annul or invalidate an agreement
• To call off a meeting or event
• To mark something as void or not valid anymore
Example: “The class was canceled due to rain.”
2. What does “cancel” mean in slang?
In slang, cancel means rejecting or boycotting a person, group, or idea for unacceptable behavior—often called cancel culture.
Key points about slang usage:
• Common on social media and online forums
• Means to stop supporting someone due to controversy
• Related phrase: “Someone is canceled”
Example: “After the scandal, the celebrity was canceled online.”
3. What is the synonym of “cancel”?
Cancel has many synonyms, meaning words with similar meanings in English.
Common synonyms include:
• Annul
• Void
• Revoke
• Abolish
• Call off
These words may be used in sentences or English writing, depending on the context.
4. Is it spelled cancel or cancle?
The correct spelling is cancel.
Key spelling points:
• Cancle is a common mistake and not recognized in standard English.
• In American English: canceled (one ‘l’).
• In British English: cancelled (two ‘l’s).
Students should always use the correct form in their exams.
5. Does “cancel” mean the same as delete?
Cancel and delete are different words in English.
Main differences:
• Cancel means to stop or call off something before it happens.
• Delete means to remove or erase something completely.
Example: You might cancel an email before sending, but delete it if it’s already sent.
6. What is the difference between cancel and revoke?
While both words mean to stop something, cancel usually means ending an event or plan, while revoke means officially taking back a right, permission, or document.
Key differences:
• Cancel: Stop or end an event, action, or arrangement.
• Revoke: Withdraw a legal right, license, or status.
Example: “His passport was revoked by authorities.”
7. How do you say “cancel” in Hindi and Bengali?
The word cancel can be translated into different languages for better understanding.
Translations:
• Hindi: रद्द (Radd)
• Bengali: বাতিল (Batil)
These words appear often in regional exam papers and language classes.
8. What does “cancel” mean in online and digital contexts?
In online or digital use, cancel means to stop an operation, subscription, or planned action with a click or command.
Examples include:
• Cancel a subscription
• Cancel an order
• Cancel sending an email
It is a common button or option in apps and websites.
9. What is “cancel culture” and how is it related to cancel meaning?
Cancel culture refers to the practice of withdrawing support from individuals or companies due to their actions or opinions.
Main points:
• Involves boycotting or refusing to engage
• Linked to the modern slang use of cancel
• Common in social media discussions and debates
Students may find this concept in essays and speeches.
10. Is “canceled” or “cancelled” correct?
Both canceled and cancelled are correct spellings.
• Canceled: Used in American English
• Cancelled: Used in British English
Always use the spelling that matches your exam board or syllabus region.
11. What are antonyms of cancel?
Antonyms are words with the opposite meaning of cancel.
Common antonyms:
• Approve
• Confirm
• Validate
• Authorize
Use antonyms in sentences to show contrast in English writing exams.
