not
UK: nɒt | US: nɑːt
Definition
adv. used to express negation, denial, refusal, or prohibition
Structure
no <t>
Etymology
The word "not" originates from Old English "nōt," a contraction of "nōwiht" ("no thing" or "nothing"). Over time, it simplified into "not," retaining its core function as a negator. The morpheme "no" remains recognizable in modern English (e.g., "no," "none"), while the "-t" suffix reflects its historical evolution from a fuller form.
Examples
She did not answer the question.
It is not raining today.
They will not attend the meeting.
He said not a word during the lecture.
This is not the right way to solve the problem.