not Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. adverb negation of a word or group of words
    non.
    • he does not speak French
    • she is not going
    • they are not friends
    • not many
    • not much
    • not at all

WordNet

Not
Etymology
Contr. from ne wot. See 2d Note.
Definitions
  1. Wot not; know not; knows not. Obs. Chaucer.
Not adjective
Definitions
  1. Shorn; shaven. Obs. See Nott.
Not adverb
Etymology
OE. not, noht, nought, naught, the same word as E. naught. See Naught.
Definitions
  1. A word used to express negation, prohibition, denial, or refusal.
    Not one word spake he more than was need. Chaucer.
    Thou shalt not steal. Ex. xx. 15.
    Thine eyes are upon me, and I am not. Job vii. 8.
    The question is, may I do it, or may I not do it? Bp. Sanderson.
    Chaucer.

Webster 1913