No

Definition

No is a determiner, adverb, noun, and interjection used to indicate negation, denial, or refusal. It is commonly used to reject, disagree, or negate a statement, question, or request.

Parts of Speech

• Determiner
• Adverb
• Noun
• Interjection

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /noʊ/
• Respelling: noh

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /nəʊ/
• Respelling: noh

Etymology

The word "no" originates from Old English "nā," a combination of "ne" (not) and "ā" (ever), meaning "not ever" or "never." It evolved in Middle English as "no" to indicate direct negation and denial.

Derivatives

• Nobody (pronoun)
• Nowhere (adverb)
• Nonexistent (adjective)
• Nonetheless (adverb)
• None (pronoun)

Synonyms

• Negative
• Refusal
• Denial

Antonyms

• Yes
• Affirmative
• Approval

Usage

As a determiner, "no" is used to indicate the absence of something. For example, "There is no milk left."

As an adverb, it negates a statement. For example, "He can no longer attend the meeting."

As a noun, it refers to a negative response. For example, "The majority voted no on the proposal."

As an interjection, it expresses denial or refusal. For example, "No, I don’t agree."

Related Terms

• Negation: The act of denying or rejecting.
• Rejection: The act of refusing or dismissing something.
• Opposition: A stance against something.

Detailed Definitions

Determiner

• Indicating the absence or nonexistence of something: Used before a noun to express a lack of something.
  • Example: "There was no reason to worry."

Adverb

• Used to negate a statement: Denies or contradicts an assertion.
  • Example: "She can no longer attend the event."

Noun

• A negative response or rejection: Used to refer to an answer of refusal.
  • Example: "His answer was a firm no."

Interjection

• Used to express refusal or denial: An abrupt rejection or contradiction.
  • Example: "No, that is not correct."