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Not a soul Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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not a soul

[nɒt ə səʊl ]

Definition

Context #1 | Phrase

expression

No one at all; absolutely no person.

Synonyms

no one, nobody, not a single person.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
not a soul

This phrase is often used for dramatic or emphatic purposes to stress the complete absence of people. It can be used in both written and spoken English.

  • When I arrived at the park, there was not a soul in sight.
  • She searched the house, but there was not a soul to be found.
no one

This is a neutral way to indicate that there are no people present or involved. It's commonly used in both casual and formal contexts.

  • No one knows where he went after the meeting.
  • There was no one at home when I called.
nobody

Similar to 'no one', but slightly more informal. It can be used in everyday conversations and written texts.

  • Nobody told me about the change in plans.
  • There was nobody in the office at that time.
not a single person

This phrase emphasizes the complete absence of individuals, often used for stronger emphasis. It can be used in both formal and informal contexts.

  • Not a single person volunteered to help.
  • She waited all day, but not a single person came to see her.

Examples of usage

  • There was not a soul in sight when I arrived.
  • I called out for help, but there was not a soul to be found.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'not a soul'

The phrase 'not a soul' originated in English around the 14th century. It is a negation of the concept of 'soul,' emphasizing the absence of any individual. The use of 'soul' in this context reflects the idea of a person's essence or being. Over time, the phrase has become a common expression to convey the complete absence of people in a particular place or situation.