Meaning & Definition of Negative in English

Detailed Definitions

• Definition: Expressing denial, disagreement, or refusal.

  Example Sentence: She gave a negative response to the proposal.

• Definition: Less than zero; indicating a decrease or loss.

  Example Sentence: The company's profits have taken a negative turn this quarter.

• Definition: Characterized by the absence of something positive.

  Example Sentence: He had a negative outlook on life.

• Definition: In photography, referring to a film or image that shows dark areas as light and vice versa.

  Example Sentence: The negative was developed into a positive photograph.

• Definition: In logic, representing or expressing negation.

  Example Sentence: The negative proposition is essential to understanding the argument.

Etymology

Origin: From Latin 'negativus', meaning 'refusing' or 'denying'.

Synonyms

Common Phrases and Expressions

• negative feedback: Constructive criticism or responses pointing out flaws.
• negative reinforcement: A concept in behavior psychology where a behavior is strengthened by removing a negative outcome.
• negative impact: Adverse effects or consequences of an action.

Translations

• Spanish: negativo

• French: négatif

• German: negativ

• Russian: негативный

Related Words

• negate: To deny the existence or truth of something.

• negation: The contradiction or denial of something.

• negativity: The expression of criticism or pessimism.

Slang Meanings of negative

• Meaning: Bad vibes

  Example Sentence: I can't hang out with him anymore, he's always bringing negative vibes.

• Meaning: Downer

  Example Sentence: She always turns the party into a downer with her negative comments.