NEVER definition: 1. not at any time or not on any occasion: 2. used as a way of saying "never" with extra emphasis….

Understanding the Context

Learn more. Definition of never adverb in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more. The meaning of NEVER is not ever : at no time.

Key Insights

How to use never in a sentence. From Middle English nevere, navere, nævere, from Old English nǣfre (“never”), equivalent to ne +‎ ever. never (not comparable) I finally finished, and I never do wanna do it again. We were at the same college, but happened never to meet. I'll never not like you.

Final Thoughts

There are 20 meanings listed in OED's entry for the word never, four of which are labelled obsolete. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence. never, adv. & int. meanings, etymology and more | Oxford English Dictionary Ever means 'at any time'. Never means 'at no time' or 'not at any time'.

We often use 'ever' and 'never' with the present perfect, but they can also be used with other verb tenses. I've never been to Brazil. They had never seen such a beautiful sunset before. Does she ever visit her mother?