not

/nɒt/ adverb

Definition

› used to form a negative phrase after verbs like 'be', 'can', 'have', 'will', 'must', etc, usually used in the short form 'n't' in speech: I won't tell her. I can't go. He hasn't eaten yet. Don't you like her? It isn't difficult (= It is easy). The service isn't very good (= it is bad). You're coming, aren't you? I will not tolerate laziness.

› used to give the next word or group of words a negative meaning: I told you not to do that. I like most vegetables but not cabbage. "Come and play football, Dad." "Not now, Jamie." "Whose are these?" "Not mine."

› used after verbs like 'be afraid', 'hope', 'suspect', etc in short, negative replies: "Do you think it's going to rain?" "I hope not." "Have you finished?" "I'm afraid not."

certainly/hopefully not › used after an adverb in short, negative replies: "She's not exactly poor, is she?" "Certainly not." "We won't need much money, will we?" "Hopefully not."

not at all › used instead of 'no' or 'not' to emphasize what you are saying: "I hope this won't cause you any trouble." "No, not at all." I'm not at all happy about it.

Not at all. › used as a polite reply after someone has thanked you: "Thanks for all your help." "Not at all."

if not › used to say what the situation will be if something does not happen: I hope to see you there but, if not, I'll call you.

or not › used to express the possibility that something might not happen: Are you coming or not?

not a/one › used to emphasize that there is nothing of what you are talking about: Not one person came to hear him talk. "You haven't heard from Nick, have you?" "Not a word."

(Definition of not adverb from the Cambridge Learner's Dictionary © Cambridge University Press)