not at all

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/nɑt æt ɔl/
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+1
A polite reply or a strong way to say that something is not so.
Practice using not at all in conversation until it feels natural

Examples

  • "Was it difficult to find us?" "Not at all."
  • "Thanks for staying late." "Not at all. I was happy to help."
  • I am not at all worried about the test.
  • "That was kind of you." "Not at all."
  • "Thank you for calling me back." "Not at all."

Similar words

no problem
you’re welcome
my pleasure
no
not one bit
in no way
not in the least
of course not
certainly not

Meanings

Reply to thanks

conversation
neutral
A polite reply to thanks that says helping was no trouble.

Examples

  • "Thank you for carrying the bags." "Not at all."
  • "I appreciate your help." "Not at all. It was easy."
  • "Thanks for staying late." "Not at all. I was happy to help."
  • "That was kind of you." "Not at all."
  • "Thank you for calling me back." "Not at all."

Similar words

you’re welcome
my pleasure
no problem

A reassuring no

conversation
neutral
A firm but often friendly no, especially when saying that something does not bother you.

Examples

  • "Do you mind if I open the window?" "Not at all."
  • "Was the walk too long?" "Not at all. I enjoyed it."
  • "Are you upset with me?" "Not at all."
  • "Would it bother you if we left early?" "Not at all."
  • "Was it difficult to find us?" "Not at all."

Similar words

no
certainly not
of course not

Complete absence

emphasis
neutral
Used with a negative statement to say that something is not true even slightly.

Examples

  • I am not at all worried about the test.
  • The room was not at all crowded.
  • She was not at all happy with the decision.
  • This explanation is not at all clear.
  • They were not at all surprised by the news.

Similar words

in no way
not in the least
not one bit

Etymology

Not makes a statement negative, while at all strengthens it. As a reply to thanks, the words suggest that helping was no trouble.

FAQ

What does not at all mean after thanks?

It politely says that helping was no trouble.

Can not at all answer a question?

Yes. It can give a firm no, often to reassure someone.

What does not at all add to a negative sentence?

It says the negative is complete, with no degree of the thing described.

Is not at all rude?

No. As a reply to thanks or a request, it is usually polite.

Can not at all stand alone?

Yes. It can be a complete reply in a conversation.

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