Nor Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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nor
[nɔː ]
Definitions
connecting words
used before the second or further of two or more alternatives (the first being introduced by a negative such as 'neither' or 'not')
Synonyms
neither, or.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| nor |
Used in negative sentences after 'neither'. It connects two or more negative options.
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| neither |
Used to show that two or more things are not true or do not happen. It usually appears with 'nor'.
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| or |
Used to connect different possibilities or choices. It can be used in both positive and negative sentences.
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Examples of usage
- nor I nor he will be there
- it was neither good nor bad
- not a painter nor a sculptor
used in negative phrases
used to introduce a further negative statement
Synonyms
neither, nor yet.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| nor |
This word is used to introduce a second negative item or clause, especially after 'neither'. It commonly appears in formal writing and speeches.
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| neither |
This word indicates that two or more things are not true or do not happen. It is often used with 'nor' to discuss two negative statements.
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| nor yet |
This phrase is used mainly in literary or formal contexts to add more emphasis when negating a second item. It carries a slightly antiquated tone and is less common in modern speech.
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Examples of usage
- they swear they will not comply, nor will they allow inspections
- nor was she aware of the danger
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Grammar
- 'Nor' is often used in formal writing, especially in negative constructions, allowing for more complex sentences.
- It can follow 'neither' in phrases like 'neither A nor B', commonly used to emphasize two exclusions.
Literature
- Famous literary works, including Shakespeare’s plays, feature 'nor' to enhance poetic rhetoric and clarity of negation.
- In classic literature, authors often use 'nor' to maintain rhythm and flow within negative statements.
Logic
- 'Nor' is commonly used in logical arguments to denote propositions that are simultaneously false.
- In formal logic, it represents an operation that combines two negative statements in a precise manner.
Pop Culture
- The phrase 'neither here nor there' is a common idiomatic expression, implying something is irrelevant.
- Countless songs and poems utilize 'nor' to create specific themes around despair or exclusion.
Origin of 'nor'
Main points about word origin
- 'Nor' comes from Old English, used in a similar way to connect negative statements.
- The word is derived from a combination of 'ne' (not) and 'or', first appearing in texts around the 9th century.
The word 'nor' originated in Middle English as a combination of 'ne' (not) and 'or' (either). It has been used in English grammar for centuries to indicate a negative alternative or to introduce a further negative statement. The usage of 'nor' has evolved over time to become an important conjunction in English language, especially in formal writing and speaking.