Search results for 'not':

not adverb (with auxiliary and modal verbs often shortened to n't and joined to the verb) 1 used to make a negative statement, etc • That is not fair. • Those aren't right. • Why didn't they come? 2 used with verbs of opinion or intention, etc to make the clause or infinitive following the verb negative, as in • I don't think he's right, meaning • I think he is not right. 3 used in place of a negative clause or predicate • might be late, but I hope not. 4 (indicating surprise or an expectation of agreement, etc) surely it is the case that • Haven't you heard? • Lovely, isn't it? 5 used to contrast the untrue with the true • It's a cloud, not a mountain. 6 barely • with his face not two inches from mine. 7 by no means • not nearly enough • Not everyone would agree. 8 colloq used by a speaker to emphatically deny what they have just said • looks a lot like Brad Pitt...not. not a ... absolutely no ... • not a sound. not at all don't mention it; it's a pleasure. not just or not only, etc used to introduce what is usually the lesser of two points, etc • not just his family, but his wider public. not on colloq 1 not possible. 2 not morally or socially, etc acceptable. not that ... though it is not the case that ... • not that I care.
ETYMOLOGY: 14c: a variant of nought.