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don't

don't

∞ 1.0
To say that something is not true or to tell someone not to do something
  • auxiliary
  • /doʊnt/
  • Informal
: no
  • Don't touch the stove because it is very hot.

Examples

  • If you don't understand the instructions, please ask for help.

  • Please don't make so much noise while others are working.

  • Don't go!

  • Please don't forget.

  • Don't touch the stove because it is very hot.

  • If you don't understand the instructions, please ask for help.

  • Please don't make so much noise while others are working.

Idioms

To not know anything about a subject or situation

42 8.6

Warn someone not to mention a topic because they talk a lot and get upset

don't sweat it
  • Informal
32 7.4

Tell someone not to worry because it is not a problem

12 8.1

Do not expect it to happen soon or at all

don't go there
  • Informal
6 9.5

A warning not to talk about a subject because it may make people angry

3 8.4

Have no chance of success

Not believe anything someone says

2 8.4

A playful goodnight wish hoping someone has good dreams

1 9.3

To tell viewers or listeners to keep watching and not change the channel during a break in the show

1 7.1

To hurry to do something so you do not miss a good chance

A dramatic way to tell people not to be sad when you leave, from the musical Evita

don't be a bastard
  • Offensive
1 9.9

Tell someone not to behave in a mean or unfair way

Says that someone's application or request is rejected and ends the conversation

1 9.0

A joking way to say someone is not good enough to do something as a job

1 9.9

Avoid mixing your personal life with your work life because it causes problems

An informal phrase to show hope that something will happen if nothing goes wrong

1 6.5

To stop being angry with someone but keep remembering what they did to avoid being hurt again

don't be a cow
  • Offensive
1 9.9

To tell someone not to be difficult or mean

Any choice you make leads to bad results

don't be a numpty
  • Offensive
9.9

A phrase that tells someone not to act silly

9.9

Tell someone to be brave instead of afraid

To not care at all

Asian don't raisin
  • Offensive
9.9

A joking saying that people of Asian background seem to stay looking young for a long time

A joking phrase that shows old ideas about how men should act

Compounds

don't-know
  • Specialized
1 9.6

A person who answers 'I don't know' to a question in a poll or survey

Surface Forms

don't infinitive
don’t infinitive
Don't infinitive
dont infinitive

Morphology

don't = do + not (transparent) = do + not

A straightforward contraction of 'do not' serving the usual negative auxiliary function, directly inferable from the components.

Etymology

Don't is a short form of do + not, with a small written mark called an apostrophe showing the missing letters. It is a quick way to say 'do not', so don't marks a negative sentence or tells someone not to do something.