Nor

Definition

Nor is a conjunction. It is used to introduce the second or subsequent negative statement or clause, typically in connection with "neither."

Parts of Speech

• Conjunction

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /nɔːr/
• Respelling: nor

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /nɔː/
• Respelling: nor

Etymology

The word "nor" originates from Middle English, derived from Old Norse "nor," a contraction of "ne oþer," meaning "neither one nor the other." Its use became standardized in conjunction with "neither" over time.

Derivatives

• Nor'easter (noun, regional dialect)
• Neither-nor (phrase)
• Nor-any (phrase)
• Nor-yet (phrase)
• Nor-but (archaic conjunction)

Synonyms

• Neither
• Not one
• Nor yet

Antonyms

• Or
• And
• Either

Usage

The term "nor" is often used in formal or literary contexts to join two or more negative statements. For example, "She could neither sing nor dance," or "He didn’t call, nor did he write."

Related Terms

• Neither: Used in negative statements to indicate not one or the other.
• Or: Used to connect alternatives.
• And: Used to connect words or phrases of the same clause.

Detailed Definitions

Conjunction

• Used to introduce the second or subsequent clause of a negative statement:
  • Example: "He neither drank nor smoked."
• Used after a negative statement to continue the negation in another clause:
  • Example: "She doesn’t like coffee, nor does she enjoy tea."