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.

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

Learn what not means with clear definitions, pronunciation, synonyms, and real-world examples. Simple explanations to help you use not correctly.

(used before a singular count noun) not even one (expressing emphasis about the lack of something):[~ + a/one + noun] He had not a penny to his name. Not a single missile got through the defense system.

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

Dec 2, 2025 · Explore the definition of the word "not," as well as its versatile usage, synonyms, examples, etymology, and more.

Jun 15, 2026 · 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 are more …

You use not, usually in the form n't, in questions which imply that someone should have done something, or to express surprise that something is not the case. Why didn't you do it months ago? …

'Not' is a commonly used negative marker and pro-sentence in the English language. In this lesson, we will discuss how to learn and use it.