Never

Definition

Never is an adverb that means "at no time in the past, present, or future," or "not under any circumstances."

Parts of Speech

• Adverb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈnɛv.ɚ/
• Respelling: NEV-er

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈnɛv.ə/
• Respelling: NEV-uh

Etymology

The word "never" originates from the Old English "nǣfre," a compound of "ne" (not) and "ǣfre" (ever). It has been used in its current form since Middle English to express the absence of occurrence or possibility.

Derivatives

• Nevermore (adverb)
• Never-ending (adjective)
• Neverness (noun)
• Never-before-seen (adjective)
• Never-was (noun, informal)

Synonyms

• Not ever
• At no time
• No way

Antonyms

• Always
• Ever
• Forever

Usage

The adverb "never" is commonly used to express the impossibility or absence of an action or event. For example: "I have never been to Paris," or "He will never agree to those terms."

Related Terms

• Ever: At any time.
• Always: At all times or continuously.
• Not: Used to negate a statement.

Detailed Definitions

Adverb

• At no time in the past, present, or future: Indicates the complete absence of occurrence.
  • Example: "I have never seen such a beautiful sunset."
• Not under any circumstances: Used to emphasize that an action or event will not occur.
  • Example: "He would never betray his friends."
• Not at all: Indicates the complete negation of a statement.
  • Example: "She is never late to work."