n't

See also: Appendix:Variations of "nt"

English

Etymology

Contraction of not.

Contraction

n't

1. (dated or colloquial) not
   • 1845 March, “Editor’s Table”, in The Knickerbocker, or New-York Monthly Magazine, volume XXV, New York, N.Y.: […] John Allen, […], page 267, columns 1–2:

     Do n’t tell me you ‘have n’t got time,’ / That other things claim your attention; / There ’s not the least reason or rhyme / In the wisest excuse you can mention: / Do n’t tell me about ‘other fish,’ / Your duty is done when you buy ’em; / And you never will relish the dish, / Unless you ’ve a woman to ‘fry ’em.’

   • 1849, Currer Bell [pseudonym; Charlotte Brontë], “Noah and Moses”, in Shirley. A Tale. […], volume I, London: Smith, Elder and Co., […], →OCLC, page 196:

     Will n't ye gie us a bit o' time ?—Will n't ye consent to mak' your changes rather more slowly?

   • 1913 August, Jack London, chapter XIX, in John Barleycorn, New York, N.Y.: The Century Co., →OCLC, page 186:

     The only reply is that we did n't. That is the irrefragable fact. We did n't.

Anagrams

• TN, Tn, tn