Not to say
phrase
Used to introduce a stronger or more accurate word or phrase than the one just used.
His behavior was strange, not to say bizarre.
Often appears as...
- not to say strange
- not to say impossible
phrase
Used to suggest that something is not a possibility.
He barely had enough strength to stand, not to say walk.
Often appears as...
- not to say walk
- not to say run
phrase
Used to introduce a stronger or more accurate word or phrase than the one just used.
His behavior was strange, not to say bizarre.
Often appears as...
- not to say strange
- not to say impossible
phrase
Used to suggest that something is not a possibility.
He barely had enough strength to stand, not to say walk.
Often appears as...
- not to say walk
- not to say run
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Stress Contrast
Use 'not to say' to emphasize how the next term stands out in comparison to the first.
The movie was enjoyable, not to say hilarious.
Pro Tip 2/3Escalating Ideas
The phrase helps depict a rising scale or intensity of a characteristic.
Her solution was clever, not to say ingenious.
Pro Tip 3/3Subtle Corrective
It's a polite way to suggest an alternative, perhaps more accurate or extreme, term.
The deal was fair, not to say generous.
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