Pronunciation

/noʊ/

Definitions

• Adjective: Used to express negation, denial, refusal, or absence. For example: “No smoking allowed in this area.”
• Adverb: Expressing denial, refusal, or prohibition. For example: “I will not go; no, I won’t change my mind.”
• Noun: The negative answer to a question or request. For example: “The answer was a resounding no.”
• Interjection: Used to express dissent, disagreement, or denial. For example: “No, that’s not what I meant.”

Phrases

• “No way” means definitely not, expressing strong disagreement or disbelief.
• “No problem” is used to indicate that something is easy or acceptable to do.
• “No doubt” suggests complete certainty or confidence.
• “No matter what” indicates that something will happen regardless of any circumstances.

Example Sentences

• Adjective: “There’s no time left to finish the project.”
• Adverb: “I won’t tolerate that kind of behavior, no, not at all.”
• Noun: “After hearing several nos, we finally got a yes from the committee.”
• Interjection: “No, thanks. I don’t want any dessert.”

Synonyms

• Not
• None
• Nay
• Negative
• Nein (German)
• Non (French)
• Nope
• Nix

Note on Usage

In some cases, “no” can also function as a pronoun, replacing a noun that has been previously mentioned or implied, e.g., “Do you have any siblings? No.” Here, “no” serves as a pronoun standing for “no siblings.” However, this usage is less common and more colloquial than its use as an adjective, adverb, or noun.