Definition

1. Adverb:

   • Used to give a negative response or refusal: "no" is used to answer a question in the negative or to disagree with a statement.
   • Used to emphasize a negative statement: "no" can be used to make a negative statement stronger.
   • Not at all; in no degree: Used to indicate the complete absence of a quality or state.

2. Determiner:

   • Not any; not one; not a: Used before a noun to indicate a total lack or zero quantity of something.

3. Noun:

   • A negative answer or vote: A spoken or written answer or vote that means "I do not agree" or "I refuse."
   • (Chemistry) Nobelium: A radioactive chemical element (symbol No).

Usage Examples

• Adverb:

  • "Are you coming?" "No, I'm not."
  • He is no better today than he was yesterday. (He is not better at all.)
  • This is no easy task. (This is not an easy task at all.)

• Determiner:

  • There is no milk in the refrigerator.
  • She has no patience for delays.
  • I have no idea what you're talking about.

• Noun:

  • She gave a firm no to his proposal.
  • The noes outnumbered the ayes in the vote.

Advanced Usage

• "in no time": very quickly or soon.
  • She finished the puzzle in no time.
• "no longer": not now as before; not anymore.
  • He no longer lives here.
• "no more": not any more; nothing further. Also used to mean "dead."
  • I have no more to say on the subject.
  • The great artist is no more.
• "no doubt": certainly; without doubt.
  • He will no doubt call us later.

Variants and Related Words

• Nay (adv, noun): A more formal or old-fashioned word for "no," especially in voting contexts.
  • The motion was defeated by 10 nays to 5 ayes.
• Negative (adj, noun): Meaning "expressing denial or refusal"; a word or statement that means "no."
  • He gave a negative response to our request.

Synonyms

• Not at all: Used to emphasize a negative.
• None: Not any.
• Negative: A refusal or denial.

Related Phrases (Phrasal Verbs)

(Note: "No" is not typically used to form phrasal verbs. Its primary function is as an adverb, determiner, or noun.)

Related Idioms

• "No way!": Used to express strong refusal or disbelief.
  • "Can I borrow your car?" "No way!"
• "No can do": An informal way to say that something is not possible or that you cannot do it.
  • I'm sorry, but fixing your computer by tomorrow is no can do.
• "No ifs, ands, or buts": Used to say that there must be no discussion or argument about something.
  • You will clean your room now, no ifs, ands, or buts!

Adjective

1. quantifier; used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns for indicating a complete or almost complete lack or zero quantity of
   • we have no bananas
   • no eggs left and no money to buy any
   • have you no decency?
   • did it with no help
   • I'll get you there in no time

Noun

1. a radioactive transuranic element synthesized by bombarding curium with carbon ions; 7 isotopes are known
2. a negative
   • his no was loud and clear

Adverb

1. used to express refusal or denial or disagreement etc or especially to emphasize a negative statement
   • no, you are wrong
2. not in any degree or manner; not at all
   • he is no better today
3. referring to the degree to which a certain quality is present
   • he was no heavier than a child