First Known Use: 13th century
Dictionary
1con
verb \ˈkän\
connedcon·ning
Definition of CON
transitive verb
1
: to commit to memory
2
: to study or examine closely
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Origin of CON
Middle English connen to know, learn, study, alteration of cunnen to know, infinitive of can — more at can
2con
Definition of CON
variant of conn
3con
adverb
: against something
Full Definition of CON
: on the negative side : in opposition <so much has been written pro and con>
See con defined for English-language learners
Origin of CON
Middle English, short for contra
First Known Use: 15th century
4con
noun
Definition of CON
1
: an argument or evidence in opposition
2
: the negative position or one holding it <an appraisal of the pros and cons>
First Known Use of CON
1589
5con
adjective
Definition of CON
: confidence <a con artist> <a con game>
Origin of CON
by shortening
First Known Use: 1889
6con
verb
connedcon·ning
Definition of CON
transitive verb
1
: swindle <accused of conning retirees out of their savings>
2
: manipulate 2b
First Known Use of CON
1896
7con
noun
Definition of CON
: something (as a ruse) used deceptively to gain another's confidence; also : a confidence game : swindle
First Known Use of CON
1901
8con
noun
9con
noun
Definition of CON
slang : a destructive disease of the lungs; especially : tuberculosis
Origin of CON
short for consumption
First Known Use: 1915
10con
abbreviation
Definition of CON
1
[Latin conjunx] consort
2
consolidated
3
consul
4
continued
CON Defined for Kids
1con
adverb \ˈkän\
Definition of CON for Kids
: on the negative side <argue pro and con>
2con
noun
Definition of CON for Kids
: an opposing argument, person, or position <She considered the pros and cons of the question.>
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