1 no
Pronounced:
/ˈnoʊ/
Function:
adverbMeaning:
1 a —used to give a negative answer or reply to a question, request, or offer ▪ “Are you going?” “No, I am not going.” ▪ No, you can't have any more candy. ▪ “Did you hear something?” “No.” ▪ “Do you need a ride?” “No, thank you. My wife is picking me up.” ▪ He wanted to stay longer but I had to say no. ▪ I told him that I couldn't come to the party, but he wouldn't take no for an answer. [=he insisted that I come to the party] b : in a way that shows a negative response ▪ She shook her head no.
2 —used to introduce a statement that corrects an earlier statement ▪ No, that's not the way it happened. ▪ I saw him yesterday—no, the day before. ▪ It's big, no, it's gigantic. ▪ She has the right, no, the duty, to continue her studies.
3 : in no degree or amount : not at all —used in comparisons ▪ The hotel was no better than I expected it to be. ▪ You are no worse off now than you were before. ▪ He works no more than 30 hours per week. ▪ Your experience was no different from mine.
4 —used before an adjective to indicate a meaning that is the opposite of the adjective's meaning ▪ He made it clear in no uncertain terms [=he made it very clear] that he did not approve of the decision. ▪ It is a matter of no small importance. [=it is a matter of much importance]
5 —used to show surprise, doubt, or disbelief ▪ Oh, no. Not again. ▪ No—you don't say? ▪ No, that's impossible. ▪ No, you couldn't have been the one responsible.
6 —used to express agreement with a negative statement ▪ “She shouldn't work so hard.” “No, she really shouldn't.”
7 —used to tell someone not to do something ▪ No, don't touch that switch.
2 —used to introduce a statement that corrects an earlier statement ▪ No, that's not the way it happened. ▪ I saw him yesterday—no, the day before. ▪ It's big, no, it's gigantic. ▪ She has the right, no, the duty, to continue her studies.
3 : in no degree or amount : not at all —used in comparisons ▪ The hotel was no better than I expected it to be. ▪ You are no worse off now than you were before. ▪ He works no more than 30 hours per week. ▪ Your experience was no different from mine.
4 —used before an adjective to indicate a meaning that is the opposite of the adjective's meaning ▪ He made it clear in no uncertain terms [=he made it very clear] that he did not approve of the decision. ▪ It is a matter of no small importance. [=it is a matter of much importance]
5 —used to show surprise, doubt, or disbelief ▪ Oh, no. Not again. ▪ No—you don't say? ▪ No, that's impossible. ▪ No, you couldn't have been the one responsible.
6 —used to express agreement with a negative statement ▪ “She shouldn't work so hard.” “No, she really shouldn't.”
7 —used to tell someone not to do something ▪ No, don't touch that switch.