Middle English Dictionary Entry

nought adv.
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Entry Info

Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)

1.
With verbs or clauses: not: (a) with simple verbs; (b) the same, accompanied by other negatives; (c) with simple ben; (d) the same, accompanied by other negatives; (e) with simple verbs having direct objects (including obj.phr. or cl.); -- also with refl. and impers. verbs; litel other ~, little or not at all; [see also litel adv.1. (b)]; (f) the same, accompanied by other negatives; (g) with verb phrases in the active voice; -- also with impers. phrases; (h) the same, accompanied by other negatives; (i) in passive constructions; -- also with additional negatives; (j) in imperative constructions; -- also with additional negatives; (k) introducing clauses; (l) with verbs in adjective and adverb clauses; -- also with additional negatives; (m) in interrogative sentences; (n) in various elliptical constructions; -- also with additional negatives; (o) right ~, in various constructions: not at all; -- also with additional negatives.
2.
3.
With adjectives and adjectival constructions: not at all, not; (a) with simple adjectives; -- also with adjectives used absolutely; (b) with participles and prepositional phrases; (c) with indefinite articles and with adjectives expressing number, quantity, or inclusiveness; ~ a (on, o), not even one; ~ a litel, quite a bit (of sth.).
4.
With adverbs: to no degree, not at all, not; -- often with other negatives; (a) with adverbs of time; (b) with adverbs of distance, direction, or location; ~ ferrene, not far away; ~ outward, not outwardly; (c) with adverbs of number or limitation; (d) with adverbs of degree, intensity, or emphasis; ~ so; (e) with adverbs of quality or manner; ~ so; (f) with adverb phrases and clauses; -- often negating the second member of a pair of coordinate phrases; ~ as, not because; ~ charginge, not to mention; right ~, not at all.
5.
As a quasi conjunction in correlative constructions: neither, not; ~ al-one..but (elles); ~..ne (but); ~..ner (nor); ~..neither (nouther); ~..ac (and); ~ onli..but (also; etc.