The phrase "not at all" is commonly used to mean "certainly not". In IPA transcription, it is pronounced /nɒt ət ɔːl/. The "not" sound is pronounced with an open o sound, followed by a glottal stop (represented by the apostrophe). The "at" sound is pronounced with a schwa sound, and the "all" sound is pronounced with an open o sound followed by a dark l sound. It is important to pay attention to the correct spelling and pronunciation of this phrase to avoid confusion in communication.
Not at all is a simple phrase that is commonly used in English to convey the negation or denial of something. It is often employed as a response to a statement or question, indicating that the speaker completely disagrees or rejects what has been said. The phrase is typically used to emphasize one's disagreement or to express that something is not the case or does not apply.
When used as an answer to a question, "not at all" signifies a negative response. For example, if someone asks, "Did you enjoy the movie?" and the response is "Not at all," it implies that the speaker did not find any enjoyment in the film whatsoever. Similarly, if someone says, "Thank you for helping me," and the reply is "Not at all," it indicates that the speaker does not consider their assistance to be a burden and is, in fact, happy to help.
In a broader sense, "not at all" can also convey the complete absence or lack of something. For instance, if someone says, "There is not at all any food left," it suggests that there is completely no food remaining. This phrase acts as a clear indicator of negation, denial, or absence, providing a concise way for individuals to express disagreement or refute statements.