no vs. not

Question

Dear Friends,Can you see any difference in meaning between:He is not a genius.  vs.  He is no genius.?Thanks a lot.Best,Palinkasocsi

Fandorin · Accepted Answer

As for me there is no difference between them.

Clive · Answer

Hi,
Can you see any difference in meaning between:

He is not a genius. vs. He is no genius.?

Yes. Here are a couple of very general comments.

He is not a genius. This states a fact.

He is no genius. This suggests he is not smart, even that he is stupid.

Consider these examples.

He is not Tom. Again, a statement of fact.

He is no Tom. Generally speaking, this means he does not have the character qualities of Tom.

You might like to look at this link.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Senator,_you_are_no_Jack_Kennedy

The line "Senator, you're no Jack Kennedy" was used with deadly effect in a US vice-presidential debate.

Best wishes, Clive

Palinkasocsi · Answer

Thanks Fandorin and Clive: you are awesome!

Best,

Palinkasocsi

Fandorin · Answer

Thank you Clive<img class='emoticon' style='Width:19px;Height:19px;' data-delaysrc='https://uat-englishforward-forums-backend.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Emoticons/1.gif' src='https://uat-englishforward-forums-backend.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Emoticons/1.gif' alt='Emotion: smile'/>

no vs. not

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