English Dictionary
Definition no in British English
no
adverb, determiner
What are red words?
Around 90% of spoken and written English relies on just 7,500 common words.
These words are highlighted in red and are ranked using a star system.
- One-star words are commonly used
- Two-star words are even more common
- Three-star words are the most frequently used
adverb, determiner
What are red words?
Around 90% of spoken and written English relies on just 7,500 common words.These words are highlighted in red and are ranked using a star system.
- One-star words are commonly used
- Two-star words are even more common
- Three-star words are the most frequently used
No is used in the following ways:
as an adverb (for giving an answer): ‘Would you like some tea?’ ‘No, thanks.’‘You are very selfish sometimes.’ ‘No, I’m not.’ (before a comparative adjective or adverb)She’s no taller than Jerry.
as a determiner: There’s no butter in the fridge.No smoking.He’s no fool.
Ways of saying no
a polite way of saying no
used when saying no without being definite
used when you think that you know something but are not completely sure
used for emphasizing that your answer to a question or request is definitely no
used to say no when you think an idea is stupid or insulting
used when politely saying no to something that someone has offered you
an informal and very definite way of saying no
an informal way of saying no that shows that you think somebody’s suggestion or request is crazy
Examples:
‘Are you coming tonight?’ ‘I’m afraid not, I have to work.’
‘Is there something special you’d like to do for your birthday?’ ‘Not really, I’d be happy to stay at home.’
‘Has Mr Smith checked out of his hotel yet?’ ‘Not as far as I know, no.’
‘Can I stay up to watch the film?’ ‘Certainly not, it’s time you went to bed!’
‘You didn’t tell Paul what I said, did you?’ ‘Of course not, you’re my friend!’
‘Would you like some cake?’ ‘No thanks/I couldn’t, I’ve just had a big lunch.’
‘Are you going to apologize to them?’ ‘No way! It’s all their fault!’
‘Are you coming up the mountain with us, then?’ ‘You must be joking! I’m not going out in this weather.’
➡ yes
For the last time, the answer is no!
'Don't forget to make the reservation'. 'No, I won't'.
There's absolutely no reason to get up early tomorrow morning.
He had been given almost no opportunity to practise.
used on signs or in instructions to say that something is not allowed
No smoking.
She had completely ignored the 'No Entry' sign.
used for telling someone, especially a child, not to do something
used for saying that someone or something cannot be described in a particular way
used for saying that someone or something cannot be described in a particular way
used as a way of correcting something that you have just said
It was last Wednesday - no, Thursday.
Related Words
Words related to no: