Hello, you have come here looking for the meaning of the word
mustn't. In DICTIOUS you will not only get to know all the dictionary meanings for the word
mustn't, but we will also tell you about its etymology, its characteristics and you will know how to say
mustn't in singular and plural. Everything you need to know about the word
mustn't you have here. The definition of the word
mustn't will help you to be more precise and correct when speaking or writing your texts. Knowing the definition of
mustn't, as well as those of other words, enriches your vocabulary and provides you with more and better linguistic resources.
English
Etymology
must + -n't
Pronunciation
Verb
mustn't
- must not (negative auxiliary); used to indicate that something is forbidden or, in a tag question, that something is not necessary.
- You mustn't blame yourself for this tragedy.
- We must go, mustn't we?
- 1906, Edith Nesbit, The Railway Children, Chapter 4: The engine-burglar,
- "Now, listen," said Mother; "it's quite true that we're poor, but we have enough to live on. You mustn't go telling everyone about our affairs--it's not right. And you must never, never, never ask strangers to give you things. Now always remember that--won't you?"
- 1989: Batman (movie)
- Look, we mustn't mistake ourselves for regular people. We're artists.
Usage notes
Although must and need are synonyms, mustn’t and needn’t (including their uncontracted forms) are not, except when used interrogatively. “You mustn’t go” means you must stay, but “you needn’t go” means you do not have to go, with the implication that you still may if you wish.
Related terms
Translations
See also
References