# nor

/ˈnɔɹ/ (US) · /nˈɔː/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/nor
Updated: 2026-07-09

## Senses

### 1. after 'neither'

conjunction · CEFR B1

used to connect two things that are both not true or not happening.

For teachers: a function word used to introduce the second or subsequent member of a series of negative alternatives, typically following 'neither'.

- Neither the teacher nor the students knew the answer to the question.
- The proposed legislation was neither popular with the public nor supported by the majority of the governing committee.

Usage: When 'nor' connects two subjects, the verb usually agrees with the subject closest to it.

### 2. introducing a new negative point

conjunction · CEFR B2 · Formal

used to add another negative statement to something you just said.

For teachers: used to introduce a further negative statement, often triggering subject-auxiliary inversion in the following clause.

- I don't like spicy food, nor do I enjoy very salty snacks.
- The witness did not recall seeing the vehicle, nor could she provide a description of the driver at the scene.

Usage: This use requires you to swap the subject and the helping verb, such as 'nor do I' instead of 'nor I do'.

### 3. logic gate

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

a type of logical operation that is only true if all parts are false.

For teachers: a logical operator or logic gate that produces a positive output only when all its inputs are negative.

- The engineer used a NOR gate to design the simple alarm circuit.
- In digital electronics, the NOR operation is considered a universal gate because any other boolean function can be implemented using only NOR gates.

## Examples

- He does not like coffee, nor does he like tea.
- The new law will not increase taxes for the poor, nor will it reduce the benefits they currently receive.
- The candidate refused to clarify his position on the environmental bill, nor would he commit to a timeline for the proposed infrastructure reforms during the press conference.

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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.