Pronunciation: [nˌɒt ˈɛvə] (IPA) 
The spelling of the phrase "not ever" is straightforward, with each word spelled as it sounds. "Not" is spelled /nɑt/, with the "o" pronounced like "awe" and the "t" as a hard stop. "Ever" is spelled /ˈɛvər/, with emphasis on the first syllable and a slightly elongated "e" sound. This phrase is often used to convey a strong sense of negation or denial, such as "I would not ever do that."
Not ever is an adverbial phrase that signifies the absence or negation of something occurring at any time, under any circumstance or in any possible situation. It refers to the complete lack of occurrence or absolute prohibition of an event, action, or state of being.
The expression "not ever" is formed by combining the negative adverb "not" and the adverb "ever." "Not" is used to deny or negate an action or state, indicating the opposite meaning. "Ever," on the other hand, refers to an indefinite or unlimited time period, encompassing all possible instances from the past to the future.
When used in a sentence, "not ever" emphasizes the impossibility or extreme unlikelihood of the mentioned event or action. It strongly emphasizes the negation and reinforces that there is no occasion, event, or circumstance where the denied action or state has, is, or will be happening.
For example, if someone says, "I will not ever forgive him for what he has done," it implies an absolute refusal to pardon or grant forgiveness, no matter the situation or any potential changes of heart. Similarly, if someone states, "I have not ever visited Europe," they express that they have never traveled to any country within the geographical region of Europe.
The etymology of the phrase "not ever" can be understood by examining the individual components of the word:
1. Not: "Not" is a negating word that indicates the absence or negation of something. It is derived from the Old English word "naught" or "nāwiht", meaning nothing or none.
2. Ever: "Ever" is an adverb that means at any time or on any occasion. It originated from the Old English word "ǣfre", which is akin to the Old High German word "ēvar" and the Old Norse word "ǣ". These all share the same Indo-European root, *aiw-, meaning "vital force" or "life".
When "not" is combined with "ever", it results in the phrase "not ever", which signifies the complete absence or never having happened at any time.
