NOT definition: 1. used to form a negative phrase after verbs like "be", "can", "have", "will", "must", etc…. Learn more.

Understanding the Context

Explore the definition of the word "not," as well as its versatile usage, synonyms, examples, etymology, and more. The meaning of NOT is —used as a function word to make negative a group of words or a word. How to use not in a sentence. NOT meaning: 1.

Key Insights

used to form a negative phrase after verbs like "be", "can", "have", "will", "must", etc…. Learn more. Not is often shortened to n't in spoken English, and added to the auxiliary or modal verb. For example, 'did not' is often shortened to 'didn't'. NOT definition: (used to express negation, denial, refusal, or prohibition).

Final Thoughts

See examples of not used in a sentence. (used before a singular count noun) not even one (expressing emphasis about the lack of something):[~ + a/one + noun] He had not a penny to his name. Not a single missile got through the defense system. Negation is the process of turning a positive (affirmative) statement into a negative one to indicate that something is not true, does not exist, or is not happening. In English, negation is most commonly formed by inserting “not” or its contracted forms (n’t) into sentences, often with the help of auxiliary verbs. Properly using negation clarifies what is being denied or refuted.

He warned me not to be late. I was sorry not to have seen them. Not everybody agrees. They had still not decided.