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. Also: well 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 cease to amaze. never cease to amaze.

2. never mind, don't bother; don't concern yourself.

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

Logan’s Bea, a diva with a revolving grudge, never worries if she’s being too bold or brash.

From Los Angeles Times

"It was down to the culture within England. We weren't friendly or connected. We weren't a team. We never at any stage became a real good, strong team."

From BBC

Most in Gaza, including me, never imagined the war would drag on for two full years.

From BBC

I’m never going on another date with this guy again, I said to myself.

From Los Angeles Times

But behind the scenes, the 25-year-old Brazilian's Real Madrid future has never been more uncertain as talks to extend his contract beyond 2027 continue to stall.

From BBC