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.

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 …

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

Feb 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.

(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.

Not is a term used to indicate the opposite or negation of something. It is a word used to express the absence, rejection, or denial of a particular concept, action, or state.

No is often used to indicate a straightforward denial, refusal, or the absence of something, whereas not is typically used to negate a verb, adjective, or another adverb, forming the negative of a statement.