oughtn't
/ˈɔːt(ə)nt
/contraction
Ought not: tragedies oughtn’t to come in such close succession...
- The floor of the cafe seemed suddenly brilliant to me, the bright wood vivid in the artificial light - tho’ perhaps I oughtn't to have indulged in that espresso, not at 7.30-ish in the evening.
- I know it's sinful, and I know I oughtn't, but I do love watching irate motorists who've been caught breaking parking regulations, especially able-bodied drivers who park across disabled parking bays.
- You oughtn't to worry: a friend of mine took several months out to grow a really big, bushy beard for the specific purpose of having his passport photos taken: just for contrariness' sake - passport done, he shaved the beard off.
