Not Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
❌
not
[nɒt ]
Definitions
in a negative way
Used to express negation, denial, refusal, or prohibition.
Synonyms
absolutely not, never, no.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| not |
Used to negate a verb or statement, general purpose.
|
| no |
Used as a straightforward way to refuse or reject something.
|
| never |
Used when something has not happened in the past and will not happen in the future.
|
| absolutely not |
Used to firmly reject something or strongly emphasize a refusal.
|
Examples of usage
- I do not agree with you.
- She is not coming to the party.
- Not everyone can afford a luxury car.
logic
A logical operator that produces a truth value opposite to the operand.
Examples of usage
- In logic, 'not' is often represented by the symbol ¬.
- The 'not' operator in programming can reverse the value of a boolean variable.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Linguistics
- In English, 'not' is often used with auxiliary verbs to form negatives, such as 'do not' or 'is not.'
- Sentences can dramatically change meaning when 'not' is added; for example, 'She is happy' becomes 'She is not happy.'
- It's essential for expressing opinions, like saying 'I do not like this movie,' helping clarify your feelings.
Psychology
- Studies show that using 'not' in messages can influence motivation, making negative framing affect goal setting.
- In cognitive behavioral therapy, recognizing when individuals use 'not' can help in identifying negative thinking patterns.
- Children learn about negation through play, using 'not' to express refusals and establish their preferences.
Pop Culture
- Catchphrases incorporating 'not' have become popular, such as 'Not!' which is used humorously to indicate denial or sarcasm.
- The word is a key element in many famous movie lines, making aspects of dialogue memorable and impactful.
- 'Not' is featured in the titles of songs and books, often representing themes of rejection or irony.
Philosophy
- In philosophical discussions, 'not' plays a significant role in logic, especially concerning negation and truth values.
- Renowned philosophers like Aristotle explored existence and negation, shaping theories that still apply in modern thinking.
- Discussions about morality often involve 'not' to define boundaries, helping articulate what is considered acceptable or unacceptable.
Origin of 'not'
Main points about word origin
- 'Not' comes from the Old English word 'nē,' which was used in similar ways to express negation.
- The word has roots in Germanic languages, similar to the Dutch 'niet' and German 'nicht.'
- As a crucial part of negation, 'not' is one of the oldest words in the English language, showing its importance through centuries.
The word 'not' originated from Old English 'naht', which evolved into Middle English 'nought' and eventually 'not'. It has been used in English for centuries to indicate negation and has remained a fundamental element of the language.