negative

[ˈnɛɡətɪv]

negative Definition

• 1. expressing or implying the opposite of affirmation; denying
• 2. pessimistic or cynical
• 3. lacking positive qualities

Using negative: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "negative" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  He has a negative attitude towards everything.

• Example

  The test result was negative for COVID-19.

• Example

  The company's financial report showed a negative growth rate.

• Example

  The politician's speech had a negative impact on his reputation.

negative Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for negative

• unhappy
• adverse
• opposed
• contrary
• unfavorable

Antonyms for negative

• positive
• optimistic
• hopeful
• constructive
• affirmative

Idioms Using negative

• in the negative

  used to describe a response or answer that is negative or unfavorable

  Example

  When asked if he had any experience with coding, he replied in the negative.

• think negative

  to have a pessimistic or negative outlook on a situation

  Example

  Don't think negative, try to focus on the positive aspects of the project.

• negative Nancy

  a person who always has a negative attitude and complains frequently

  Example

  I don't want to be a negative Nancy, but I don't think this plan will work.

Phrases with negative

• negative feedback

  critical comments or reactions to something, often used in business or product development

  Example

  The company received negative feedback from customers about their new product.

• negative space

  the empty or unoccupied areas in a design or artwork

  Example

  The artist used negative space to create a sense of balance in the painting.

• negative reinforcement

  a type of conditioning in which an unpleasant stimulus is removed after a behavior to decrease the likelihood of that behavior happening again

  Example

  The dog stopped barking when the owner gave it negative reinforcement by taking away its toy.

Origins of negative

from Latin 'negativus', meaning 'denying'

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Summary: negative in Brief

The term 'negative' [ˈnɛɡətɪv] refers to expressing or implying the opposite of affirmation, or lacking positive qualities. It can describe attitudes, test results, growth rates, and impacts. Phrases like 'negative feedback,' 'negative space,' and 'negative reinforcement' extend the term into business, art, and psychology. Idioms like 'in the negative' and 'negative Nancy' denote unfavorable responses and attitudes.