never

UK: ˈnevə | US: ˈnɛvɚ

Definition

  1. adv. at no time in the past or future; not ever

  2. adv. not at all; absolutely not (used for emphasis)

Structure
ne <not>ever <always>
Etymology

never = ne<not> + ever<always>

  • ne (Old English "ne") <not>: A negation prefix from Proto-Germanic *ne, meaning "not."
  • ever (Old English "ǣfre") <always>: Derived from Proto-Germanic *aiwaz ("age, eternity") + *-fre (comparative suffix), originally meaning "always" or "at any time."

Etymology Origin:
The word "never" evolved from Old English "nǣfre," a contraction of "ne" (not) + "ǣfre" (ever). It reflects a straightforward negation of "ever," emphasizing the absolute absence of an event in time. The Proto-Germanic roots *ne and *aiwaz highlight its ancient connection to concepts of negation and eternity, making it a durable and universal adverb in English.

Examples

  1. She never misses her morning coffee.

  2. I will never forget your kindness.

  3. "Never say never," he joked.

  4. The train never arrived on time.

  5. He had never seen such a beautiful sunset.