not at all
/nɒt æt ɔːl/Used to strongly deny something or to emphasize that something is not true or not the case.
I'm not tired at all.
I'm not tired in the slightest.
She wasn't upset at all.
She wasn't upset in any way.
This phrase is often used for emphasis in negative statements, making the negation stronger.
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💡Pro Tip
Emphasizing Negation
Use 'not at all' to make a negative statement stronger, especially in informal contexts.
⚡Gold Rule
Polite Refusal
You can use 'not at all' to politely decline an offer, such as 'Thank you, but I'm not hungry at all.'
📖Word Origin
The phrase 'not at all' is a straightforward combination of the negative 'not' and the phrase 'at all,' which is used to emphasize the negation.
📝Usage Notes
This phrase is commonly used in spoken and informal written English to emphasize that something is not true or not happening. It can also be used politely to decline an offer or suggestion.