not*/*/*/

[nɒt]

adv

1) used for giving a negative or opposite meaning to a sentence, expression, or word

He would not listen to anything she said.[/ex]

Barbara's not coming to the party.[/ex]

I don't feel sorry for her.[/ex]

Not surprisingly, Greg forgot to bring the key.[/ex]

They told me not to worry.[/ex]

Not all children enjoy sport.[/ex]

The teacher could not even remember my name.[/ex]

My parents were not at all pleased with my exam results.[/ex]

2) used instead of repeating something in the negative

Are you coming with me or not?[/ex]

I'll probably see you on Sunday; if not, it'll be Monday.[/ex]

‘Is it going to be very expensive?' ‘ I hope not.'[/ex]

3) spoken

used for forming a question when you expect the answer to be ‘yes'

Isn't it a beautiful day?[/ex]

That was easy, wasn't it?[/ex]

•

not one; not a single — used for emphasizing that there are none of the people or things you are talking about[/ex]

Not one member voted in favour.[/ex]

not that — used for adding a negative statement that reduces the effect of what you have just said[/ex]

You're using my pen - not that I mind (=I don't mind) .[/ex]

In spoken and informal English not is often shortened to n't on the end of auxiliary verbs (‘be', ‘do', and ‘have') and modal verbs. For example, was not is shortened to wasn't.