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never

adv. freq.
A1 Beginner Oxford US //ˈnɛvɝ// UK //nˈɛvɐ// nev·er General-service Informal

adv. not at any time in the past, present, or future. You use this to say that something has not happened and will not happen.

adv. at no time in the past or future; not on any occasion. Functions as a negative marker for frequency.


SIMPLE

I never drink coffee after dinner.

CONTEXTUAL

She has never visited the ocean, despite living only a few hours away from the coast.

COMPLEX

The diplomat maintained that he would never compromise on the fundamental principles of the treaty, regardless of the pressure applied by the opposing delegation.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Origin

From Middle English nevere, navere, nævere, from Old English nǣfre (“never”), equivalent to ne + ever.

Usage

Typically placed before the main verb, but after the verb 'to be' or the first auxiliary verb.

Pitfall

I don't never go thereI never go thereEnglish does not use double negatives; 'never' already makes the sentence negative, so 'don't' is not needed.

Idioms13 entries

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