nevermind
MediumInformal, Spoken, Occasionally used in informal written contexts (e.g., texts, chats).
Definition
Meaning
A dismissive response meaning "don't worry about it," "it's unimportant," or used to retract a previous statement.
As a noun: something dismissed as insignificant or not worth consideration.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily an interjection or a noun. Historically, 'never mind' is the verb phrase. The single-word 'nevermind' is a lexicalized form often associated with the dismissive interjection or the noun. It is distinct from the imperative phrase "never mind (that)."
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In both varieties, 'never mind' (two words) is standard. The fused spelling 'nevermind' is recognized in American dictionaries as a noun (e.g., Merriam-Webster) but is less established as standard in British English, where the two-word form predominates.
Connotations
The interjection is casual, sometimes abrupt. The noun form (e.g., 'That's a nevermind.') is rare and considered non-standard or dialectal in the UK, slightly more recognized but still informal in the US.
Frequency
The interjection meaning is common in speech in both varieties. The single-word noun form is infrequent.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
Interjection (stand-alone)Noun (countable): 'a nevermind'Verb Phrase (two words): 'never mind + NP/Clause'Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “"Nevermind the expense!" (archaic/formal)”
- “"It makes no nevermind" (dialectal, noun use meaning 'difference')”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Avoid. Too informal for professional correspondence. Use 'don't worry about it' or 'please disregard'.
Academic
Not used.
Everyday
Common in spoken, informal contexts to dismiss a topic or apology.
Technical
Not used.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- Never mind the mess, just come in.
- Never mind what he said.
American English
- Never mind the cost, just get it done.
- Never mind about that now.
adverb
British English
- He said it nevermind. (rare/ungrammatical)
adjective
British English
- This is a nevermind issue. (non-standard/informal)
American English
- He gave me a nevermind look. (non-standard/informal)
Examples
By CEFR Level
- "Sorry I'm late!" - "Never mind!"
- Never mind the rain, we'll have the picnic indoors.
- He started to explain, but then just said, 'Nevermind, it's too complicated.'
- The manager dismissed the budgetary discrepancy as a mere nevermind, unworthy of the committee's time.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
NEVER MIND the spelling, just say it quickly as one word: 'nevermind'.
Conceptual Metaphor
DISMISSAL IS SWEEPING AWAY (e.g., 'brush it aside', 'nevermind').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Not the same as 'неважно' in all contexts; 'неважно' is broader. 'Nevermind' is specifically a dismissal of a previous point or apology.
- Do not confuse with 'never mind' as a warning ('never mind the dog').
- The noun form ('a nevermind') has no direct Russian equivalent and is very rare.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'nevermind' in formal writing. *Incorrect: Please nevermind the previous email. Correct: Please disregard the previous email.
- Using as a verb in formal contexts: *'Nevermind that issue.' Better: 'Ignore that issue.' or 'Disregard that issue.'
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'nevermind' (one word) LEAST appropriate?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is recognized as an informal interjection and, in American English, as a noun. However, 'never mind' (two words) is the standard spelling for the verb phrase and is more widely accepted.
'Never mind' is a verb phrase meaning to disregard or not worry about something. 'Nevermind' is a lexicalized, single-word interjection used to dismiss a statement or topic, or a rare noun meaning 'something unimportant'.
No. It is too informal. Use alternatives like 'please disregard', 'ignore that', or 'it's not important'.
Yes, in its informal, interjectory sense. It evokes a dismissive, indifferent attitude, fitting the album's themes. It popularized the single-word spelling.