'not' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'nōt,' where 'ne' meant 'not' and 'ōt' was a form of 'witan,' meaning 'to know.'

'nōt' changed from Old English word 'nōt' and eventually became the modern English word 'not'.

Initially, it meant 'not knowing,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'negation or denial.'