None

Definition

None is a pronoun and an adverb indicating the absence of any or all quantity, amount, or number. It signifies "not any" or "not one."

Parts of Speech

• Pronoun
• Adverb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /nʌn/
• Respelling: NUN

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /nʌn/
• Respelling: NUN

Etymology

The word "none" comes from Old English "nān," a compound of "ne" (not) and "ān" (one). It has been used since Middle English to denote absence or nonexistence.

Derivatives

• Nonevent (noun)
• Nonexistence (noun)
• Nonentity (noun)
• None-too (adverbial phrase)
• None other (phrase)

Synonyms

• Nothing
• Zero
• Nil

Antonyms

• All
• Some
• Any

Usage

The term "none" is used to express the absence of any number or amount. For example: "I have none of the items on the list," or "None of the students knew the answer." As an adverb, it indicates a lack or negation: "He is none the wiser."

Related Terms

• Nothing: The absence of anything.
• Negation: The contradiction or denial of something.
• Zero: A numerical value indicating no quantity.

Detailed Definitions

Pronoun

• Not any: Indicates the absence of one or more things.
  • Example: "None of the applicants were qualified."
• Not one: Refers to the absence of a single person or item.
  • Example: "None of the books are available."

Adverb

• Not at all: Used to emphasize negation or lack.
  • Example: "He is none the richer for his efforts."