LookItUp

not even

Meaning in simple English, pronunciation and examples

Pronunciation: US /nɑːt ˈiːvən/ · UK /nɒt ˈiːvən/

not even means: Used to stress that something surprisingly small, easy, or likely did not happen or is not included.

adverb

EMPHATIC NOA2

Used to stress that something surprisingly small, easy, or likely did not happen or is not included.

  • He did not even smile.
  • Not even my best friend knew the secret.
  • They gave us no food, not even a piece of bread.

How to use it: not even + noun/pronoun (Not even her parents knew.); not even + verb (He did not even say goodbye.)

Common phrases: not even once, not even someone, not even a little

interjection

STRONG DISAPPROVALC2

Used to show that you are very disappointed or strongly dislike what someone has said.

  • “They canceled our trip.” “Not even!”
  • “We have to work all weekend.” “Not even!”
  • “They gave our tickets away.” “Not even! That is so unfair.”

Similar words: no way

Common phrases: not even, not even seriously

Questions about not even

What does not even mean?

Used to stress that something surprisingly small, easy, or likely did not happen or is not included.

What is not even in other languages?

Türkçe: bile değil · Español: ni siquiera · Français: même pas · Deutsch: nicht einmal · Italiano: neanche · 日本語: さえ〜ない

How do you pronounce not even?

In American English /nɑːt ˈiːvən/; in British English /nɒt ˈiːvən/.

How do you use not even in a sentence?

He did not even smile. Not even my best friend knew the secret.

Learn not even while you read

LookItUp shows the meaning that fits your sentence, in your language, and turns new words into quick practice cards.

Coming soon on the App Store LookItUp app for iPhone and iPad

not even in other languages

More words