Langimage
English

mustn't

|must/n't|

A2

/ˈmʌsənt/

(must)

prohibition

Base FormNounAdjective
mustmustinessmusty
Etymology
Etymology Information

'mustn't' originates from the contraction of 'must not', where 'must' is derived from Old English 'moste', meaning 'had to'.

Historical Evolution

'must not' contracted into 'mustn't' in modern English usage.

Meaning Changes

Initially, 'must' indicated necessity, but in the negative form 'mustn't', it evolved to indicate prohibition.

Meanings by Part of Speech

Modal Verb 1

contraction of 'must not', used to indicate prohibition or strong advice against doing something.

You mustn't touch the stove when it's hot.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Last updated: 2025/01/17 03:09