[Grammar] Doesn't "take" not mean "possess"

[NAL123]

1) Doesn't "take" mean "accept"? (the speaker thinks it does mean that)

2) Doesn't "take" not mean "possess"? (the speaker thinks it does not mean that)

Q: Can we use "not" in the way it is used in sentence 2) after "doesn't"?

 

[Rover_KE]

1) is OK, but why introduce a double negative?

I can't get my head round 2).

 

[NAL123]

1) is OK, but why introduce a double negative?

I can't get my head round 2).

Suppose I know the verb "take" does not mean "possess".

My friend: 'take' means 'possess.'
Me: Doesn't it not mean 'possess'?

Is the question correct? If not, how would you ask that question?

 

[Rover_KE]

I wouldn't ask a question.

I'd say 'No, it doesn't'.

 

[NAL123]

I wouldn't ask a question.

I'd say 'No, it doesn't'.

Suppose I'm not very sure whether the verb "take" means "possess" or not.

My friend: 'take' means 'possess.'
Me: Doesn't it not mean 'possess'?

Is the question correct?

 

[probus]

Suppose I'm not very sure whether the verb "take" means "possess" or not.

My friend: 'take' means 'possess.'
Me: Doesn't it not mean 'possess'?

Is the question correct?

Rather than muddy the waters with unnaturally worded questions, if you are "not very sure" just consult a good dictionary.

 

[Rover_KE]

Suppose I'm not very sure whether the verb "take" means "possess" or not.

Say 'I'm pretty sure it doesn't. Let's look it up'.

 

[NAL123]

Say 'I'm pretty sure it doesn't. Let's look it up'.

So in conclusion, we don't use "not" after "doesn't" in asking questions, no matter the context. Am I right?