Definition of Not
Quick Meaning of Not
A word that makes a sentence negative; opposite of yes.
Detailed Definition of Not
Used to negate verbs, adjectives, nouns; expressing the absence or negation of something.
How to Pronounce Not
Stress pattern: O (1-syllable word).
Tip: Pronounced /nɑt/, often contracted to 'n't' after auxiliaries.
Origin and Etymology of Not
From Old English 'nawiht', literally 'not a thing'.
How to Use Not in a Sentence
Each example shows “not” with a CEFR level so learners can pick examples that match their fluency.
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“I do not like spicy food.”
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“She is not a teacher.”
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“The answer is not entirely clear.”
Synonyms and Antonyms of Not
Common Synonyms for Not
Smart Synonyms for Not — When to Use Each
- no
- standalone response or before nouns
- neither
- used for two items in negation
Common Collocations with Not
These phrases pair with “not” in everyday English:
- not at all
- not only
- not yet
- not even
Common Mistakes When Using Not
Even fluent speakers slip up with “not”. Here’s how to avoid the most common errors:
- ✗ Wrong: I not like coffee.
- ✓ Correct: I do not like coffee.
- Why: Use auxiliary verb 'do' before 'not'; cannot negate main verb directly.
- ✗ Wrong: He is not happy nor sad.
- ✓ Correct: He is neither happy nor sad.
- Why: Double negation 'not...nor' is ungrammatical; use 'neither...nor' instead.
Other Forms of Not
- Adverb: not
Frequently Asked Questions About Not
What is the meaning of "Not"?
A word that makes a sentence negative; opposite of yes.
How do you pronounce "Not"?
The IPA is /nɑt/. Pronounced /nɑt/, often contracted to 'n't' after auxiliaries.
What part of speech is "Not"?
"Not" is an adverb at A1 level (Common European Framework).
What are synonyms for "Not"?
Common synonyms include no, neither, nope.
How do you use "Not" in a sentence?
For example: "I do not like spicy food."