nothing

UK: ˈnʌθɪŋ | US: ˈnʌθɪŋ

Definition

  1. n. not anything; no single thing

  2. n. something of no importance or value

  3. adv. in no way; not at all

Structure
no <not>thing <object>
Etymology

nothing = no<not> + thing<object>

  • no: From Old English "nā" (not, never), combining "ne" (not) + "ā" (ever).
  • thing: From Old English "þing" (assembly, matter, object), originally referring to a meeting or discussion, later generalized to any entity.

Etymology Origin:
The word "nothing" emerged in Old English as "nāthing," a fusion of "nā" (emphatic negation) and "thing" (object/matter). Over time, it evolved to signify the absence of anything tangible or meaningful. The logic is straightforward: "no thing" → "nothing," reflecting a linguistic economy common in Germanic languages.

Examples

  1. There was nothing left in the fridge after the party.

  2. She said nothing about the incident to avoid conflict.

  3. Money means nothing to someone who values happiness more.

  4. He shrugged as if it were nothing.

  5. The project failed, but it cost us nothing to try.