aren't

[ ahrnt, ahr-uhnt ]

1. contraction of are not.
2. contraction of am not (used interrogatively).

aren't

/ ɑːnt /

contraction of

1. are not
2. informal.
   used in interrogative sentences am not

Usage Note

The social unacceptability of ain't, the historical contraction of am not, has created a gap in the pattern of verbal contractions. I'm not, the alternative to I ain't, has no corresponding interrogative form except ain't I. In questions, ain't I is often avoided by the use of aren't I: I'm right, aren't I? Aren't I on the list? This aren't is simply a different outcome of the same historical development that yielded ain't, but the fact that it is spelled and pronounced like the contraction of are not (as in You are staying, aren't you? ) apparently gives it, for some, an acceptability that ain't lacks. The use of aren't I is objected to by others because a declarative counterpart, I aren't, does not exist. Many speakers, however, prefer aren't I to the uncontracted, rather formal am I not. ain't, contraction.

Word History and Origins

Origin of aren't¹

As contraction of am not, a doublet of ain't (without raising of the vowel), spelling aren't by r-less speakers; ar was later substituted for the long a by speakers who regularly pronounce pre-consonantal r

Example Sentences

Refinery 29 ran a piece titled: “Kenan Thompson says Black Women Just Arent Funny Enough.”

From The Daily Beast

Yours arent very big, she said, with a piteous attempt at her old lightness, but mine are.

From Project Gutenberg

Why, there are thousands of men making their pile right here in little old New York that arent fit to hold your coat!

From Project Gutenberg

I wish he could have a joyful shock and die of it, but there arent any joyful shocks left for him in this world I am afraid.

From Project Gutenberg

The only other pictures in the city were sent by wire, and they arent half as good as actual photographs.

From Project Gutenberg

You arent going to let such grouches as Jeremiah and I spoil your belief in the absent sophs and juniors.

From Project Gutenberg