not

/nɒt/
adverbBeginner
general

Used to negate a statement or deny something

I do not agree with your opinion.

This expresses disagreement with someone's viewpoint.

This is not the right answer.

This indicates that the answer provided is incorrect.

💡

In formal writing, 'not' is often used with auxiliary verbs (e.g., 'do not', 'is not') for negation.

Collocations

not at allused to emphasize a negative responsenot onlyused to introduce an additional point

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Phrases

not at allphrase
used to emphasize a negative response
not only...but alsophrase
used to introduce additional information

💡Pro Tip

Contractions

In informal speech, 'not' is often contracted with auxiliary verbs (e.g., 'do not' → 'don't', 'is not' → 'isn't').

Gold Rule

Negation

'Not' is used to negate a statement or deny something. It is often used with auxiliary verbs (e.g., 'do not', 'is not').

📖Word Origin

Old English 'nā', from Proto-Germanic 'ne aiwaz' (not ever), from Proto-Indo-European 'ne' (no) + 'aiwaz' (ever). Related to Latin 'ne' (not) and Greek 'ne' (not).

📝Usage Notes

'Not' is often used with auxiliary verbs (e.g., 'do not', 'is not') to form negative statements. In informal speech, 'not' can be contracted (e.g., 'don't', 'isn't').

Word Breakdown

n-
negation
prefix
+
-ot
suffix indicating a state or condition
suffix
English Dictionary