n't

Hello, you have come here looking for the meaning of the word n't. In DICTIOUS you will not only get to know all the dictionary meanings for the word n't, but we will also tell you about its etymology, its characteristics and you will know how to say n't in singular and plural. Everything you need to know about the word n't you have here. The definition of the word n't will help you to be more precise and correct when speaking or writing your texts. Knowing the definition ofn't, as well as those of other words, enriches your vocabulary and provides you with more and better linguistic resources.
See also: Appendix:Variations of "nt"

English

Etymology

Contraction of not.

Contraction

n't

  1. (dated or colloquial) not
    • 1845 March, “Editor’s Table”, in The Knickerbocker, or New-York Monthly Magazine, volume XXV, New York, N.Y.: John Allen, , page 267, columns 1–2:
      Do n’t tell me you ‘have n’t got time,’ / That other things claim your attention; / There ’s not the least reason or rhyme / In the wisest excuse you can mention: / Do n’t tell me about ‘other fish,’ / Your duty is done when you buy ’em; / And you never will relish the dish, / Unless you ’ve a woman to ‘fry ’em.’
    • 1849, Currer Bell [pseudonym; Charlotte Brontë], “Noah and Moses”, in Shirley. A Tale. , volume I, London: Smith, Elder and Co., , →OCLC, page 196:
      Will n't ye gie us a bit o' time ?—Will n't ye consent to mak' your changes rather more slowly?
    • 1913 August, Jack London, chapter XIX, in John Barleycorn, New York, N.Y.: The Century Co., →OCLC, page 186:
      The only reply is that we did n't. That is the irrefragable fact. We did n't.

Anagrams

Wikious
Boobota
Sagapedia