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mayn't. In DICTIOUS you will not only get to know all the dictionary meanings for the word
mayn't, but we will also tell you about its etymology, its characteristics and you will know how to say
mayn't in singular and plural. Everything you need to know about the word
mayn't you have here. The definition of the word
mayn't will help you to be more precise and correct when speaking or writing your texts. Knowing the definition of
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English
Etymology
may + -n't
Pronunciation
Verb
mayn't (third-person singular simple present mayn't, no present participle, simple past mightn't, no past participle)
- (colloquial, now rare, dated) may not (negative auxiliary)
1841 February–November, Charles Dickens, “Barnaby Rudge”, in Master Humphrey’s Clock, volume III, London: Chapman & Hall, , →OCLC, chapter 40:I mayn't have much head, master, but I’ve head enough to remember those that use me ill.
1861, George Eliot, chapter 17, in Silas Marner:"Now, father," said Nancy, "is there any call for you to go home to tea? Mayn't you just as well stay with us?--such a beautiful evening as it's likely to be."
1914, Saki, The Romancers:You mayn't hardly believe it, but at the present moment I am absolutely without a farthing.
1930, H. P. Lovecraft, Madusa's Coil:I can't help about other people. But I surely would like to have a spot to stop till daylight. Still - if people don't relish this place, mayn't it be because it's getting so run-down?
Coordinate terms
Translations
contraction of "may not", might not
References
Anagrams