Negative

Definition

Negative is an adjective, noun, and verb. As an adjective, it describes something bad, pessimistic, or contrary. As a noun, it refers to a negative quality, response, or image. As a verb, it means to reject or deny something.

Parts of Speech

• Adjective
• Noun
• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈnɛɡ.ə.tɪv/
• Respelling: NEG-uh-tiv

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈnɛɡ.ə.tɪv/
• Respelling: NEG-uh-tiv

Etymology

The word "negative" comes from the Latin "negativus," meaning "denying," derived from "negare," which means "to deny." It entered Middle English via Old French.

Derivatives

• Negativity (noun)
• Negatively (adverb)
• Negation (noun)
• Negative-tone (noun)
• Negative-energy (noun)

Synonyms

• Pessimistic
• Adverse
• Denial

Antonyms

• Positive
• Affirmative
• Optimistic

Usage

The term "negative" is widely used in discussions about attitudes, mathematics, tests, and responses. For example, "She has a negative outlook on life," or "The test result came back negative."

Related Terms

• Positive: Indicating affirmation or approval.
• Opposition: Resistance or dissent.
• Denial: Refusal to accept or acknowledge something.

Detailed Definitions

Adjective

• Expressing or implying denial, refusal, or contradiction:
  • Example: "His negative response surprised everyone."
• Characterized by pessimism or lack of enthusiasm:
  • Example: "The review was overly negative."
• Having a value less than zero (mathematics):
  • Example: "The temperature dropped to negative ten degrees."

Noun

• A negative quality, effect, or aspect:
  • Example: "The negatives outweighed the positives in his argument."
• An expression of denial or refusal:
  • Example: "He answered with a firm negative."
• A photographic image where light and dark are reversed:
  • Example: "The photographer developed the negatives in the darkroom."

Verb

• To reject, deny, or oppose:
  • Example: "The board negative the proposal for the new policy."
• To express disapproval or contradiction:
  • Example: "The audience's reaction was largely negative."