1 no
/ˈnoʊ/
adverb
1 no
/ˈnoʊ/
adverb
Britannica Dictionary definition of NO
1
a
— used to give a negative answer or reply to a question, request, or offer
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“Are you going?” “No, I am not going.”
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No, you can't have any more candy.
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“Did you hear something?” “No.”
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“Do you need a ride?” “No, thank you. My wife is picking me up.”
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He wanted to stay longer but I had to say no.
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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]
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b
:
in a way that shows a negative response
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She shook her head no.
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2
— used to introduce a statement that corrects an earlier statement
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No, that's not the way it happened.
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I saw him yesterday—no, the day before.
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It's big, no, it's gigantic.
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She has the right, no, the duty, to continue her studies.
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3
:
in no degree or amount
:
not at all
— used in comparisons
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The hotel was no better than I expected it to be.
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You are no worse off now than you were before.
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He works no more than 30 hours per week.
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Your experience was no different from mine.
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4
— used before an adjective to indicate a meaning that is the opposite of the adjective's meaning
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He made it clear in no uncertain terms [=he made it very clear] that he did not approve of the decision.
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It is a matter of no small importance. [=it is a matter of much importance]
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5
— used to show surprise, doubt, or disbelief
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Oh, no. Not again.
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No—you don't say?
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No, that's impossible.
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No, you couldn't have been the one responsible.
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6
— used to express agreement with a negative statement
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“She shouldn't work so hard.” “No, she really shouldn't.”
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7
— used to tell someone not to do something
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No, don't touch that switch.
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2 no
/ˈnoʊ/
adjective
2 no
/ˈnoʊ/
adjective
Britannica Dictionary definition of NO
always used before a noun
1
:
not any
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She said she had no money.
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I wanted no part of the plan.
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They showed no concern for my feelings.
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people with little or no experience with computers
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There is no parking [=parking is not allowed] on this street.
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The sign says “No smoking.” [=smoking is not allowed]
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There's no disputing [=it is not possible to dispute] the decision.
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2
— used to say that someone or something is not the kind of person or thing being described
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He's no expert [=he's not an expert] in American history.
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She's no fool.
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This is no simple matter. [=this is not a simple matter]
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3 no
/ˈnoʊ/
noun
plural
noes
or
nos
3 no
/ˈnoʊ/
noun
plural
noes
or
nos
Britannica Dictionary definition of NO
1
[count]
:
a negative answer
:
an answer of no
— usually singular
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I asked for the day off and received a no in reply.
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2
a
[count]
:
a vote of no
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There were 110 ayes and only 16 noes.
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b
[plural]
:
people who are voting no
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The noes raised their hands.
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