aren't

American  

[ahrnt, ahr-uhnt] / ɑrnt, ˈɑr ənt /

1. contraction of are not.

2. contraction of am not (used interrogatively).

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aren't British  

/ ɑːnt /

contraction

1. are not

2. informal (used in interrogative sentences) am not

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Usage

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. See also ain't, contraction.

Etymology

Origin of aren't

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

“We’re maintaining our holdings in Korea, but aren’t in a rush to commit more capital,” Lim says.

From Barron's • Apr. 2, 2026

And despite recent news reports about challenges to the private-credit industry, we aren’t talking about that either.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 2, 2026

Given rising oil prices and geopolitics, the subscriber reporting changes aren’t front of mind for investors now, he believes.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 2, 2026

Because investors still aren’t sure how long the war will last, they’re pricing in more supply disruption in May than in June.

From Barron's • Apr. 2, 2026

“The bridges aren’t burned. I’m so mad. Have been for a long time. But there’s a big difference between giving up hope and not being here. We’re still here, man.”

From "Legendary Frybread Drive-In" by Cynthia Leitich Smith