Definition

Adverb: Definitely not; used to emphasize a strong negative or to state that something is far from being true or complete.

Usage

This adverb phrase is used for strong, emphatic negation. It often follows or contrasts with a previous negative statement to intensify it, meaning "not at all" or "far from it." It is somewhat informal and idiomatic.

Examples

• The weather forecast said it might rain, but it's not by a long sight as bad as they predicted.
• "Are you finished with the report?" "Finished? Not by a long sight. I've only just started."
• He's a good player, but he's not by a long sight the best on the team.

Advanced Usage

The phrase can be used to contradict an assumption or to dramatically underscore insufficiency. * We've made progress, but the project is not by a long sight ready for launch. * She thought the exam was easy, but her grade showed she was not by a long sight prepared.

Variants and Related Words

• not by a long shot: A more common variant with identical meaning.
  • Is he the best candidate? Not by a long shot.
• by no means: A more formal synonym.
• far from it: A similar idiomatic phrase for strong negation.

Synonyms

• definitely not
• absolutely not
• by no means
• far from it
• not at all

Related Idioms

• Not by a long chalk (chiefly British): Another variant meaning "not at all" or "not nearly."
  • The work isn't done, not by a long chalk.

Adverb

1. definitely not
   • the prize is by no means certain
   • and that isn't all, not by a long sight