# not at all

Pronunciation: say "not-uht-AWL" US /ˌnɑt ət ˈɔl/, UK /ˌnɒt ət ˈɔːl/; AUS say "not uh TAWL" [ˈnɒtʰəˈtʰɔːɫ]

## Idiom

1. Not even slightly, or not in any way, said for emphasis.
   - Simple: Not even a little, or not in any way.
   - _The new manager is not at all what we expected._
   - _I'm not at all sure the bridge is safe to cross._

## Idiom

2. Used, like you're welcome, as a polite reply when someone thanks you.
   - Simple: A polite thing to say when someone thanks you.
   - _"Thanks so much for driving me to the airport." "Not at all. It was on my way."_
   - _When the guests thanked her for dinner, she smiled and said, "Not at all."_
3. Used as a reassuring reply to an apology or to someone's worry, meaning there is nothing to worry about.
   - Simple: A kind reply when someone says sorry or is worried, meaning do not worry.
   - _"I'm so sorry I'm late." "Not at all, we were just getting started."_
   - _"I hope I'm not bothering you." "Not at all. Come in and sit down."_

Source: DictionaryAI, https://dictionaryai.com/define/not-at-all (written from Wiktionary data, CC BY-SA 4.0: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/).