no
no Lexical Profile
no Game Scores & Validity
• adjective
Not any; not a single one; zero in quantity or degree (functioning grammatically as a determiner before a noun).
"There was no milk left in the refrigerator this morning."
Not allowed, permitted, or possible (often used on signs and notices).
"The city council designated the narrow street as a no parking zone."
Hardly a; far from being a; the opposite of what is specified.
"She is no amateur when it comes to negotiating complex contracts."
• adverb
Not at all; to no degree (used before comparative adjectives or adverbs).
"The patient is feeling no better today than he did yesterday."
• interjection
Used to give a negative response to a question, request, or offer, or to express disagreement or refusal.
"No, I have not finished reading that report yet."
Used to express shock, disappointment, dismay, or disbelief.
"Oh no, I left my keys locked inside the car!"
• noun
A negative answer, decision, refusal, or vote against a proposal.
"The committee's final decision was a firm no."
Classic Japanese musical drama that evolved in the 14th century, characterized by wooden masks, elaborate costumes, and stylized, slow-moving performance (also spelled Noh).
"During their cultural tour of Kyoto, the students attended a traditional No theater performance."
Word Nuance & Usage
Easily confused with its homophone 'know' (to have information or understanding). As a determiner, 'no' modifies nouns directly (e.g., 'no time'), whereas 'not' negates verbs, adjectives, or clauses (e.g., 'not enough time').
• Rhymes for no
Word Origin & Etymology
As a determiner, from Old English nan ('not one, none'), a compound of ne ('not') and an ('one'). As an adverb and particle of negation, from Old English na ('never, not at all'), formed from ne ('not') and a ('ever, always').