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 is one of the most common words we use to indicate negation. It is often shortened to n’t and joined to an auxiliary verb or modal verb: … Not in negative statements (She hasn’t …, I did not …)

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

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

(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.

Apr 2, 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 …

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

There are 38 meanings listed in OED's entry for the word not, three of which are labelled obsolete. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.

'Not' is a commonly used negative marker and pro-sentence in the English language. In this lesson, we will discuss how to learn and use it.