# ne'er

/ˈnɪɹ/ (US) · CEFR C2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/neer
Updated: 2026-05-03

## Definition

a short way of saying 'never'. You mostly see this in old poems or songs.

For teachers: a contraction of 'never', used primarily in poetic or literary contexts to maintain meter.

## Examples

- He will ne'er return to his home again.
- The old ballad tells the story of a sailor who promised he would ne'er forget his true love.
- Though the winds howl and the seas rise, the captain swore that he would ne'er abandon his post until every passenger was safe.

## Usage notes

- A contraction of 'never' used in verse; typically precedes the verb it modifies.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.