Not

/nɒt/ · adverb

Meaning

Negates the meaning of the modified verb..

Definitions by Sense

1. Negates the meaning of the modified verb.
2. To no degree.
3. (litotes) Used to indicate the opposite or near opposite, often in a form of understatement.
4. Used before a determiner phrase, a pronominal phrase etc. to convey a negative attitude (e.g. denial, sadness, anger) towards something.
5. (ironic, informal, originally African-American Vernacular) Used before a non-finite clause (especially a gerund-participial clause) or less commonly a determiner phrase to ironically convey some attitude (e.g. surprise, incredulity, amusement, embarrassment) towards something.
6. And not.
7. (slang) Used to indicate that the previous phrase was meant sarcastically or ironically.
8. An instance of using the word “not”; a negation or denial.

Example Sentences

Did you take out the trash? — No, I did not. I do not think it was my turn, was it?

Not knowing any better, I went ahead.

It was felt desirable that she not leave school before fourteen.

I'd rather MoM (did) not stay, cuz the best thing about a holiday is not working.

Not a day passes when I don't regret not having enrolled in medicine.

People have got to know whether or not their president is a crook. Well, I'm not a crook. I've earned everything I've got.

I want to say one thing to the American people. I want you to listen to me. I'm going to say this again: I did not have sexual relations with that woman, Miss Lewinsky.

Oh, Pete. This is not the gym. — That’s right, Anna. This is the mailroom.

Synonyms for not

Antonyms for not

Related Words

Word Forms

• not!
• nots

Usage Notes

Choose a synonym only when it preserves the intended meaning, tone, and grammar of the full sentence.

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