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.

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 …

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

Dec 14, 2025 · 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 …

Definition of 'not' not (nɒt ) 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'.

Not is a powerful word. When Hamlet says "to be or not to be," he is questioning whether he should live or die, the inverse of living. Just be careful of what's called a "double negative," …

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

(used with verbs like[be, have,]and[do,]and with modal verbs, to express the opposite of the main verb, and also to express denial, refusal, prohibiting, etc.: I do not remember the answer. You …

Not, the general declarative form of "no", indicating a negation of a related statement that usually precedes ... Not!, a grammatical construction used as a contradiction, popularized in the early …