mitnichten
Translation
by no means, not at all, certainly not
Examples
Das ist mitnichten die ganze Wahrheit.
That is by no means the whole truth.
Er ist mitnichten ein Experte auf diesem Gebiet.
He is by no means an expert in this field.
Mitnichten war er mit dem Ergebnis zufrieden.
By no means was he satisfied with the result.
Grammar Patterns
mitnichten + ... (in a sentence) by no means ... This is mitnichten the end.
Mitnichten + Verb + Subject ... (inversion at start of sentence) By no means ... Mitnichten war das geplant.
Similar Words
Synonyms: keineswegs, keinesfalls; Antonyms: durchaus (absolutely), unbedingt (definitely)
Etymology
From 'mit' (with) + 'nichten' (an old dative plural of 'nicht', meaning 'nothings'). So, 'with nothings' -> by no means.
Memory Tips
This is a very strong and formal way to say 'not'. Think of it as an emphatic 'not in the slightest'.