not

Definition

Negates the meaning of the modified verb.

Etymology

From Middle English not, nat, variant of noght, naht (“not, nothing”), from Old English *nōht, nāht (“nought, nothing”), short for nōwiht, nāwiht (“nothing”, literally “not anything”), corresponding to ne (“not”) + ōwiht, āwiht (“anything”), corresponding to ā (“ever, always”) + wiht (“thing, creature”). Cognate with Scots nat, naucht (“not”), Saterland Frisian nit (“not”), West Frisian net (“not”), Dutch niet (“not”), German nicht (“not”). Compare nought, naught and aught. More at no, wight, whit.

Example Sentences

• "Did you take out the trash? — No, I did not. I do not think it was my turn, was it?"
• "Not knowing any better, I went ahead."
• "It was felt desirable that she not leave school before fourteen."

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