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 definition: 1. used to form a negative phrase after verbs like "be", "can", "have", "will", "must", etc…. Learn more.

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

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

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 …

Dec 2, 2025 · Explore the definition of the word "not," as well as its versatile usage, synonyms, examples, etymology, and 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'.

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

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

(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.