Naught

/nɔt/ noun

Definition

Nothing or zero; also spelled 'nought' and used in phrases like 'all for naught' (all for nothing).

Etymology

From Old English 'nāwiht' or 'nāught,' combining 'na' (no) and 'wiht' (creature or thing)—literally 'no thing.' The 'ght' spelling came from influence of words like 'ought.'

Kelly Says

The original meaning was literally 'no thing' (no creature, no being), which is why 'naught' feels so absolute and final—when something comes to naught, it becomes literally nothing, making it one of the oldest and most philosophical words for zero in English.

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.