English Reference

Word

no

Definitions

01not any

A1 · Beginner

det. used to say there is zero of something or not even one.

det. used as a quantifier to indicate the total absence of the thing mentioned.

“There is no milk left in the fridge, so I need to buy some.”

“The investigation found no evidence of criminal intent, leading the prosecutor to drop all charges against the defendant.”

Pitfall

I have no any money.

I have no money.

Do not use 'any' after 'no'. Use 'no' alone or 'not any'.

Synonyms

zeronone

Antonyms

someallmany

02to say something is not true

A1 · Beginner

part. you use this to answer a question when the answer is not 'yes'.

part. a response particle used to express negation, dissent, denial, or refusal.

“"Are you tired?" "No, I feel quite energetic actually."”

“When asked if he would accept the promotion, he simply said no, citing a desire to maintain his current work-life balance.”

Synonyms

negativenay

Antonyms

yes

03a negative answer or vote

B1 · Intermediate Countable noun

n. a 'no' answer or a vote against something.

n. a negative response or a vote cast against a motion or proposition.

“The final result of the vote was ten yeses and five nos.”

“The proposal was met with a firm no from the board of directors, who felt the financial risks were too high.”

Synonyms

refusalrejection

Antonyms

yesapproval

04not at all

B1 · Intermediate

adv. used before a word like 'better' or 'more' to mean 'not at all'.

adv. used as a modifier for comparative adjectives or adverbs to indicate zero degree of difference.

“I feel no better today than I did yesterday.”

“The second edition of the textbook is no different from the first, despite the publisher's claims of significant updates.”

Synonyms

not

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.A1 MoversIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.2.0–3.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 1.0–1.50–23TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.120–224
Frequency
Very common
Level
A1 · Beginner
Updated

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