Negative
ˈnɛɡətɪv
Definitions
3 meaningsExpressing refusal, denial, or pessimism; unfavorable; less than zero.
ˈnɛɡətɪv
Expressing or containing denial, disagreement, or refusal; unfavorable.
The weather forecast was negative, predicting rain and storms.
💡 Simply: Imagine you ask your friend if they want pizza, and they say 'no'! That's a negative answer. It means something isn't good, or it's the opposite of what you want. It can also mean something is less than zero, like owing money.
👶 For kids: When something is negative, it means 'no' or that it's not good. Like if you say 'no' to ice cream, that's a negative answer!
More Examples
She had a negative attitude about the project.
The bank account showed a negative balance.
The drug test came back negative.
How It's Used
"She gave a negative response to his proposal."
"The test results were negative for the virus."
"A negative number is less than zero."
A statement or expression of denial, or the opposite of something; a photographic image.
ˈnɛɡətɪv
A word or statement that expresses denial or disagreement.
The constant stream of negatives was draining his motivation.
💡 Simply: When you're talking about the negative, it's the 'no' part or the bad things. Think about a picture: the negative is the thing that's used to make the actual picture. It's the opposite!
👶 For kids: The negative can be the 'no' part, like when you say 'no' to candy. It can also be the part of a picture before you get the final image, like a secret picture!
More Examples
She carefully stored the negatives from her childhood photographs.
His argument focused on the negatives of the proposal.
How It's Used
"He always focuses on the negatives rather than the positives."
"The photographer developed the negatives."
To deny or refuse to accept something; to contradict.
ˈnɛɡətɪv
To deny or contradict something.
The lawyer worked to negative the witness's testimony.
💡 Simply: Imagine someone says something you don't agree with. To 'negative' something is to tell them they're wrong or deny it. It's like saying 'no' strongly.
👶 For kids: To negative is like saying 'no way!' or 'I don't think so!' to what someone is saying.
More Examples
He attempted to negative the rumors circulating about him.
The politician tried to negative the claims made by his opponent.
How It's Used
"The witness attempted to negative the accusation."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
negative space
The space around and between the subject of an image.
"The artist used negative space to create a sense of balance in the painting."
think negative thoughts
To focus on negative and pessimistic ideas or perspectives.
"It's easy to think negative thoughts when things are going badly, but you must try to stay positive."
From Latin *negativus* ('denying, rejecting'), derived from *negare* ('to deny').
Used since the 15th century, evolving from its Latin roots to encompass various meanings related to denial and negativity.
Memory tip
Think of a "no" sign – it's negative.
Word Origin
"to deny"