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.

Learn what not means with clear definitions, pronunciation, synonyms, and real-world examples. Simple explanations to help you use not correctly.

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

In conversation, when not is used after be, have, do, or a modal, it is not usually pronounced in full. When you write down what someone says, you usually represent not as n't and add it to the verb in …

NOT definition: (used to express negation, denial, refusal, or prohibition). See examples of not used in a sentence.

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'.

(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.

The adverb not is used for negation. Do you like drinking cod liver oil? No, I do not like drinking cod liver oil.

Definition of not adverb in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

May 12, 2026 · In this case not cannot appear after the verb; some authorities recommend placing it before to to avoid a split infinitive, but for most speakers the forms not to do and to not do are more …