never

[ nev-er ]

adverb

1. not ever; at no time:

   Such an idea never occurred to me.

2. not at all; absolutely not:

   never mind;

   This will never do.

3. to no extent or degree:

   He was never the wiser for his experience.

never

/ ˈnɛvə /

adverb

1. at no time; not ever
2. certainly not; by no means; in no case

interjection

1. Alsowell I never! surely not!

Usage

In informal speech and writing, never can be used instead of not with the simple past tenses of certain verbs for emphasis ( I never said that; I never realized how clever he was ), but this usage should be avoided in serious writing

Word History and Origins

Origin of never¹

First recorded before 900; from Middle English, from Old English nǣfre, equivalent to ne “not” + ǣfre ever ( def ); neither ( def ), nought ( def )

Word History and Origins

Origin of never¹

Old English nǣfre, from ne not + æfre ever

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. never mind, don't bother; don't concern yourself.
2. never cease to amaze. never cease to amaze.

More idioms and phrases containing never

• better late than never
• it never rains but it pours
• lightning never strikes twice
• now or never
• watched pot never boils
• wonders will never cease
• you never can tell

Example Sentences

I know where it is, but I never remember the name.

From Los Angeles Times

Simply put, Trump has never been viewed the same way other office seekers are, which is arguably his greatest strength.

From Los Angeles Times

Basic rule: Nazis should never be given the benefit of the doubt, or any leeway for that matter.

From Los Angeles Times

Four emerging faces, some of whom had never acted before, have captivated audiences with their vulnerable work.

From Los Angeles Times

Bates, by her own admission, never expected to return to network television.

From Los Angeles Times