negative

1 of 3

adjective

neg·a·tive ˈne-gə-tiv How to pronounce negative (audio)

: marked by denial, prohibition, or refusal

received a negative answer

also : marked by absence, withholding, or removal of something positive

the negative motivation of shame

Garrett Hardin

b(1)

: denying a predicate (see predicate entry 1 sense 1a) of a subject or a part of a subject

"no A is B" is a negative proposition

(2)

: denoting the absence or the contradictory of something

nontoxic is a negative term

(3)

: expressing negation

negative particles such as no and not

: adverse, unfavorable

the reviews were mostly negative

: lacking positive qualities

especially : disagreeable

a colorless negative personality

: marked by features of hostility, withdrawal, or pessimism (see pessimism sense 1) that hinder or oppose constructive treatment or development

a negative outlook

negative criticism

: promoting a person or cause by criticizing or attacking the competition

ran a negative campaign

negative advertising

a(1)

: less than zero and opposite in sign to a positive (see positive entry 1 sense 4e) number that when added to the given number yields zero

−2 is a negative number

(2)

: having more outgo than income : constituting a loss

negative cash flow

negative worth

: extending or generated in a direction opposite to an arbitrarily chosen regular direction or position

negative angle

: being, relating to, or charged with electricity of which the electron is the elementary unit

: having more electrons than protons

a negative ion

c(1)

: having lower electric potential (see potential entry 1 sense 2b) and constituting the part toward which the current (see current entry 2 sense 3) flows from the external circuit

the negative pole

(2)

: being the electron-emitting electrode (see electrode sense 2) of an electron tube

: not affirming the presence of a condition, substance, or organism suspected to be present

also : having a test result indicating the absence especially of a condition, substance, or organism

she is HIV negative

: directed or moving away from a source of stimulation

negative tropism

: less than the pressure of the atmosphere

negative pressure

: having the light and dark parts in approximately inverse (see inverse entry 1 sense 1) relation to those of the original photographic subject

of a lens : diverging (see diverge sense 1) light rays and forming a virtual inverted image

negatively adverb

negativeness noun

negativity

ˌne-gə-ˈti-və-tē How to pronounce negative (audio)

noun

negative

2 of 3

noun

a(1)

: a reply that indicates the withholding of assent : refusal

(2)

archaic : a right of veto

(3)

obsolete : an adverse vote : veto

: a proposition which denies or contradicts another

especially : the one of a pair of propositions in which negation is expressed

: something that is the opposite or negation of something else

: drawback, liability

: an expression (such as the word no) of negation or denial

: a negative number

: the side that upholds the contradictory proposition in a debate

: a negative photographic image on transparent material used for printing positive pictures

also : the material that carries such an image

: a reverse impression taken from a piece of sculpture or ceramics

: a negative result (as of a test)

a high rate of false negatives

also : a test yielding such a result

negative

3 of 3

verb

negatived; negativing

transitive verb

: to refuse assent to

: to reject by or as if by a vote

: to demonstrate the falsity of

: to deny the truth, reality, or validity of

: neutralize, counteract

Example Sentences

Adjective Car exhaust has a negative effect on the environment. the negative effects of the drug The feedback about the new product was all negative. Noun “No” and “not” are negatives. Can I have the negatives to make copies of the photos? Verb although the rebuttal was very eloquent, the jury negatived it in favor of the prosecution's argument we promptly negatived the idea of having pizza again for dinner, noting that we had already had it for three nights that week See More

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Last month, the guidance was updated again, dropping recommendations for programs that require a negative test to stay in the classroom or restrict kids to one classroom, or cohort.

Deidre Mcphillips, CNN, 8 Sep. 2022 When reading up on the details of your VIP package ticket, keep an eye open for COVID-19 measures an artist may have in place, ranging from social distancing requirements to proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test.

Melissa Ruggieri, USA TODAY, 7 Sep. 2022 Chengdu officials, in addition to the snap lockdown, have also closed schools and entertainment venues, and barred anyone from leaving the city without a negative COVID test taken within 24 hours.

Nicholas Gordon, Fortune, 6 Sep. 2022 Vaccinated passengers don’t have to show the negative test.

Tribune News Service, oregonlive, 3 Sep. 2022 All 2022 Creative Arts Emmy attendees were required to show proof of a negative COVID test.

Carolyn Giardina, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Sep. 2022 Authorities will conduct citywide Covid-19 tests through Sunday, with one person in each household allowed to leave home once a day to buy groceries, with proof of a negative Covid-19 test.

Raffaele Huang, WSJ, 1 Sep. 2022 For now, both vaccinated and unvaccinated passengers still have to provide the results of a negative COVID-19 test, paid for by the passenger, taken within 1-3 days for those who’ve had the vaccine, and 1-2 days for those who have not.

Richard Tribou, Orlando Sentinel, 30 Aug. 2022 Her communications director, Elizabeth Alexander, announced the negative test in a statement Monday night.

Aidin Vaziri, San Francisco Chronicle, 30 Aug. 2022

Noun

But, for everybody else, Donald Trump ends up being a net negative in that sense, for Democrats, for independents, in the vote.

CBS News, 28 Aug. 2022 Investors are currently speculating that adding digital ads from Netflix is a net negative for the sector.

Jon Markman, Forbes, 29 June 2022 This is a critical issue since rushing approvals of tests or allowing those with deficiencies to get into the system could harm the credibility of testing more broadly -- and be a net negative in the drive to end the pandemic.

Stephen Collinson, CNN, 28 Dec. 2021 Investors focused on the one negative in Home Depot's report: Customers didn't buy as many things as a year ago.

Paul R. La Monica, CNN, 16 Aug. 2022 Adding in this biogenic limestone can make concrete carbon neutral, and potentially carbon negative, by pulling carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

Tim Newcomb, Popular Mechanics, 11 Aug. 2022 Pivetta made it through three scoreless innings, but in the fourth, the negative that has haunted the Sox for much of the summer: the two-out walk, re-emerged.

Julian Mcwilliams, BostonGlobe.com, 10 Aug. 2022 And maybe Donald Trump is more of a negative for Republicans, more of a positive for Democrats than Joe Biden is for either one.

NBC News, 7 Aug. 2022 What might be a negative for Ford or Toyota is a multi-billion-dollar industry for Zipcar, Citi Bike, Uber and Lyft.

Maureen Ballatori, Forbes, 6 June 2022

Verb

And passengers boarding international flights to the U.S. no longer need to test negative a day before departure or prove recovery from Covid in the past 90 days.

Allison Pohle, WSJ, 2 Aug. 2022 But with sales growth expected to go from triple digits in 2021 to negative this year, shares have tanked to a record low recently.

Yueqi Yang, Time, 20 Apr. 2022 In response, Moody’s Investors Service recently lowered its outlook for the sector to negative.

Nick Sargen, Forbes, 20 Sep. 2021 Eversource Energy executives are on the defensive after two ratings agencies cut the credit outlook to negative for Connecticut Light & Power, citing its run-ins with state regulators over the utility’s response to Tropical Storm Isaias last year.

Stephen Singer, courant.com, 2 Aug. 2021 Positive antibody test results, which are by no means an absolute guarantee of immunity, will be accepted to enter, as will negative COVID-19 tests taken up to seven days prior to arrival.

Julia Wick, Los Angeles Times, 17 Jan. 2021 Auburn’s coverage units held Northwestern to negative two return yards, and its return units produced 25 yards on two returns.

Giana Han, al, 2 Jan. 2021 This makes Pluto a cold place covered with ice, and its surface is between negative 378 to negative 396 degrees Fahrenheit.

Ashley Strickland, CNN, 13 Oct. 2020 Someone who tests negative the day before visiting the White House could be positive upon arrival.

The Editorial Board, WSJ, 5 Oct. 2020 See More

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Middle English negatyff, borrowed from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French negatif, borrowed from Latin negātīvus "(of legal actions) restraining, (of words) denying," from negātus (past participle of negāre "to say no, deny") + -īvus -ive

Noun

Middle English negatif "negative command, prohibition," borrowed from Anglo-French & Late Latin; Anglo-French negative, borrowed from Late Latin negātīva "negative command or statement," from feminine of Latin negātīvus "(of legal actions) restraining, (of words) denying" — more at negative entry 1

Verb

derivative of negative entry 1

First Known Use

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Noun

1571, in the meaning defined at sense 1a(1)

Verb

1706, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

negative 1 of 2

adjective

neg·a·tive ˈne-gə-tiv How to pronounce negative (audio)

: emphasizing the bad side of a person, situation, or thing

a negative attitude

Whenever I ask her how she's doing, her reply is negative.

: not positive

His test results came back negative.

: less than zero and shown by a minus sign

−2 is a negative number.

: being the part toward which the electric current flows from the outside circuit

the negative pole of a storage battery

: of, being, or relating to electricity of which the electron is the unit and which is produced in a hard rubber rod that has been rubbed with wool

a negative charge

: having more electrons than protons

a negative particle

negative

2 of 2

noun

: a part of something which is harmful or bad

Consider the negatives of quitting school.

: an expression (as the word no) that denies or says the opposite

: the side that argues or votes against something

: a photographic image on film from which a final picture is made

Medical Definition

negative 1 of 2

adjective

neg·a·tive

ˈneg-ət-iv

: marked by denial, prohibition, or refusal

received a negative answer

: marked by features (as hostility, withdrawal, or pessimism) that hinder or oppose constructive treatment or development

a negative outlook

: being, relating to, or charged with electricity of which the electron is the elementary unit

: having more electrons than protons

negative ions

c(1)

: having lower electrical potential and constituting the part toward which the current flows from the external circuit

the negative pole

(2)

: being the electron-emitting electrode of an electron tube

: not affirming the presence of a condition, substance, or organism suspected to be present

also : having a test result indicating the absence especially of a condition, substance, or organism

she is HIV negative

: directed or moving away from a source of stimulation

negative tropism

: having the light and dark parts in approximately inverse relation to those of the original photographic subject

negative

2 of 2

noun

: a negative photographic image on transparent material used for printing positive pictures

also : the material that carries such an image

: a negative result (as of a test)

also : a test yielding such a result

单词	negativing
释义	negative 1 of 3 adjective neg·a·tive ˈne-gə-tiv 1 a : marked by denial, prohibition, or refusal received a negative answer also : marked by absence, withholding, or removal of something positive the negative motivation of shame Garrett Hardin b(1) : denying a predicate (see predicate entry 1 sense 1a) of a subject or a part of a subject "no A is B" is a negative proposition (2) : denoting the absence or the contradictory of something nontoxic is a negative term (3) : expressing negation negative particles such as no and not c : adverse, unfavorable the reviews were mostly negative 2 a : lacking positive qualities especially : disagreeable a colorless negative personality b : marked by features of hostility, withdrawal, or pessimism (see pessimism sense 1) that hinder or oppose constructive treatment or development a negative outlook negative criticism c : promoting a person or cause by criticizing or attacking the competition ran a negative campaign negative advertising 3 a(1) : less than zero and opposite in sign to a positive (see positive entry 1 sense 4e) number that when added to the given number yields zero −2 is a negative number (2) : having more outgo than income : constituting a loss negative cash flow negative worth b : extending or generated in a direction opposite to an arbitrarily chosen regular direction or position negative angle 4 a : being, relating to, or charged with electricity of which the electron is the elementary unit b : having more electrons than protons a negative ion c(1) : having lower electric potential (see potential entry 1 sense 2b) and constituting the part toward which the current (see current entry 2 sense 3) flows from the external circuit the negative pole (2) : being the electron-emitting electrode (see electrode sense 2) of an electron tube 5 a : not affirming the presence of a condition, substance, or organism suspected to be present also : having a test result indicating the absence especially of a condition, substance, or organism she is HIV negative b : directed or moving away from a source of stimulation negative tropism c : less than the pressure of the atmosphere negative pressure 6 : having the light and dark parts in approximately inverse (see inverse entry 1 sense 1) relation to those of the original photographic subject 7 of a lens : diverging (see diverge sense 1) light rays and forming a virtual inverted image negatively adverb negativeness noun negativity ˌne-gə-ˈti-və-tē noun negative 2 of 3 noun 1 a(1) : a reply that indicates the withholding of assent : refusal (2) archaic : a right of veto (3) obsolete : an adverse vote : veto b : a proposition which denies or contradicts another especially : the one of a pair of propositions in which negation is expressed 2 a : something that is the opposite or negation of something else b : drawback, liability 3 a : an expression (such as the word no) of negation or denial b : a negative number 4 : the side that upholds the contradictory proposition in a debate 5 : a negative photographic image on transparent material used for printing positive pictures also : the material that carries such an image 6 : a reverse impression taken from a piece of sculpture or ceramics 7 : a negative result (as of a test) a high rate of false negatives also : a test yielding such a result negative 3 of 3 verb negatived; negativing transitive verb 1 a : to refuse assent to b : to reject by or as if by a vote 2 : to demonstrate the falsity of 3 : to deny the truth, reality, or validity of 4 : neutralize, counteract Phrases in the negative : with a negative reply : with a reply that means "no" He answered in the negative. Synonyms Adjective adversarial adversary antagonistic antipathetic hostile inhospitable inimical jaundiced mortal unfriendly unsympathetic Noun nay no non placet Verb blackball down kill nix shoot down veto See all Synonyms & Antonyms Example Sentences Adjective Car exhaust has a negative effect on the environment. the negative effects of the drug The feedback about the new product was all negative. Noun “No” and “not” are negatives. Can I have the negatives to make copies of the photos? Verb although the rebuttal was very eloquent, the jury negatived it in favor of the prosecution's argument we promptly negatived the idea of having pizza again for dinner, noting that we had already had it for three nights that week See More Recent Examples on the Web Adjective Last month, the guidance was updated again, dropping recommendations for programs that require a negative test to stay in the classroom or restrict kids to one classroom, or cohort. Deidre Mcphillips, CNN, 8 Sep. 2022 When reading up on the details of your VIP package ticket, keep an eye open for COVID-19 measures an artist may have in place, ranging from social distancing requirements to proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test. Melissa Ruggieri, USA TODAY, 7 Sep. 2022 Chengdu officials, in addition to the snap lockdown, have also closed schools and entertainment venues, and barred anyone from leaving the city without a negative COVID test taken within 24 hours. Nicholas Gordon, Fortune, 6 Sep. 2022 Vaccinated passengers don’t have to show the negative test. Tribune News Service, oregonlive, 3 Sep. 2022 All 2022 Creative Arts Emmy attendees were required to show proof of a negative COVID test. Carolyn Giardina, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Sep. 2022 Authorities will conduct citywide Covid-19 tests through Sunday, with one person in each household allowed to leave home once a day to buy groceries, with proof of a negative Covid-19 test. Raffaele Huang, WSJ, 1 Sep. 2022 For now, both vaccinated and unvaccinated passengers still have to provide the results of a negative COVID-19 test, paid for by the passenger, taken within 1-3 days for those who’ve had the vaccine, and 1-2 days for those who have not. Richard Tribou, Orlando Sentinel, 30 Aug. 2022 Her communications director, Elizabeth Alexander, announced the negative test in a statement Monday night. Aidin Vaziri, San Francisco Chronicle, 30 Aug. 2022 Noun But, for everybody else, Donald Trump ends up being a net negative in that sense, for Democrats, for independents, in the vote. CBS News, 28 Aug. 2022 Investors are currently speculating that adding digital ads from Netflix is a net negative for the sector. Jon Markman, Forbes, 29 June 2022 This is a critical issue since rushing approvals of tests or allowing those with deficiencies to get into the system could harm the credibility of testing more broadly -- and be a net negative in the drive to end the pandemic. Stephen Collinson, CNN, 28 Dec. 2021 Investors focused on the one negative in Home Depot's report: Customers didn't buy as many things as a year ago. Paul R. La Monica, CNN, 16 Aug. 2022 Adding in this biogenic limestone can make concrete carbon neutral, and potentially carbon negative, by pulling carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Tim Newcomb, Popular Mechanics, 11 Aug. 2022 Pivetta made it through three scoreless innings, but in the fourth, the negative that has haunted the Sox for much of the summer: the two-out walk, re-emerged. Julian Mcwilliams, BostonGlobe.com, 10 Aug. 2022 And maybe Donald Trump is more of a negative for Republicans, more of a positive for Democrats than Joe Biden is for either one. NBC News, 7 Aug. 2022 What might be a negative for Ford or Toyota is a multi-billion-dollar industry for Zipcar, Citi Bike, Uber and Lyft. Maureen Ballatori, Forbes, 6 June 2022 Verb And passengers boarding international flights to the U.S. no longer need to test negative a day before departure or prove recovery from Covid in the past 90 days. Allison Pohle, WSJ, 2 Aug. 2022 But with sales growth expected to go from triple digits in 2021 to negative this year, shares have tanked to a record low recently. Yueqi Yang, Time, 20 Apr. 2022 In response, Moody’s Investors Service recently lowered its outlook for the sector to negative. Nick Sargen, Forbes, 20 Sep. 2021 Eversource Energy executives are on the defensive after two ratings agencies cut the credit outlook to negative for Connecticut Light & Power, citing its run-ins with state regulators over the utility’s response to Tropical Storm Isaias last year. Stephen Singer, courant.com, 2 Aug. 2021 Positive antibody test results, which are by no means an absolute guarantee of immunity, will be accepted to enter, as will negative COVID-19 tests taken up to seven days prior to arrival. Julia Wick, Los Angeles Times, 17 Jan. 2021 Auburn’s coverage units held Northwestern to negative two return yards, and its return units produced 25 yards on two returns. Giana Han, al, 2 Jan. 2021 This makes Pluto a cold place covered with ice, and its surface is between negative 378 to negative 396 degrees Fahrenheit. Ashley Strickland, CNN, 13 Oct. 2020 Someone who tests negative the day before visiting the White House could be positive upon arrival. The Editorial Board, WSJ, 5 Oct. 2020 See More Word History Etymology Adjective Middle English negatyff, borrowed from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French negatif, borrowed from Latin negātīvus "(of legal actions) restraining, (of words) denying," from negātus (past participle of negāre "to say no, deny") + -īvus -ive Noun Middle English negatif "negative command, prohibition," borrowed from Anglo-French & Late Latin; Anglo-French negative, borrowed from Late Latin negātīva "negative command or statement," from feminine of Latin negātīvus "(of legal actions) restraining, (of words) denying" — more at negative entry 1 Verb derivative of negative entry 1 First Known Use Adjective 15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a Noun 1571, in the meaning defined at sense 1a(1) Verb 1706, in the meaning defined at sense 1a Phrases Containing negative false negative negative income tax negative feedback gram-negative negative equity Rh-negative negative transfer negative sign double negative in the negative See More false negative negative income tax negative feedback gram-negative negative equity Rh-negative negative transfer negative sign double negative in the negative See More Kids Definition negative 1 of 2 adjective neg·a·tive ˈne-gə-tiv 1 : emphasizing the bad side of a person, situation, or thing a negative attitude Whenever I ask her how she's doing, her reply is negative. 2 : not positive His test results came back negative. 3 : less than zero and shown by a minus sign −2 is a negative number. 4 : being the part toward which the electric current flows from the outside circuit the negative pole of a storage battery 5 : of, being, or relating to electricity of which the electron is the unit and which is produced in a hard rubber rod that has been rubbed with wool a negative charge 6 : having more electrons than protons a negative particle negative 2 of 2 noun 1 : a part of something which is harmful or bad Consider the negatives of quitting school. 2 : an expression (as the word no) that denies or says the opposite 3 : the side that argues or votes against something 4 : a photographic image on film from which a final picture is made Medical Definition negative 1 of 2 adjective neg·a·tive ˈneg-ət-iv 1 : marked by denial, prohibition, or refusal received a negative answer 2 : marked by features (as hostility, withdrawal, or pessimism) that hinder or oppose constructive treatment or development a negative outlook 3 a : being, relating to, or charged with electricity of which the electron is the elementary unit b : having more electrons than protons negative ions c(1) : having lower electrical potential and constituting the part toward which the current flows from the external circuit the negative pole (2) : being the electron-emitting electrode of an electron tube 4 a : not affirming the presence of a condition, substance, or organism suspected to be present also : having a test result indicating the absence especially of a condition, substance, or organism she is HIV negative b : directed or moving away from a source of stimulation negative tropism 5 : having the light and dark parts in approximately inverse relation to those of the original photographic subject negative 2 of 2 noun 1 : a negative photographic image on transparent material used for printing positive pictures also : the material that carries such an image 2 : a negative result (as of a test) also : a test yielding such a result negativing verb present participle of negative 1 as in dismissing to reject by or as if by a vote although the rebuttal was very eloquent, the jury negatived it in favor of the prosecution's argument we promptly negatived the idea of having pizza again for dinner, noting that we had already had it for three nights that week Synonyms & Similar Words Relevance dismissing vetoing killing refusing shooting down blackballing disapproving disallowing downing declining nixing blacklisting Antonyms & Near Antonyms confirming ratifying passing approving admitting allowing supporting sanctioning electing assenting (to) See More 2 as in denying to declare not to be true the governor's press secretary promptly negatived the rumor that he was not intending to run for reelection Synonyms & Similar Words denying refuting rejecting contradicting negating disconfirming disclaiming disaffirming gainsaying disavowing disallowing disowning confuting repudiating disproving traversing rebutting disputing challenging disagreeing (with) Antonyms & Near Antonyms confirming acknowledging admitting owning allowing conceding adopting asserting affirming accepting avowing declaring embracing maintaining claiming submitting averring professing announcing validating verifying espousing corroborating substantiating authenticating See More 3 as in rejecting to show unwillingness to accept, do, engage in, or agree to even though I had originally negatived the invitation, Mom thought I should go anyway Synonyms & Similar Words rejecting refusing declining ignoring denying reprobating passing disputing denying dismissing disapproving avoiding repudiating withdrawing spurning vetoing forbidding turning down disputing passing up throwing over deselecting nixing throwing out disdaining overruling prohibiting proscribing controverting balking (at) rebuffing renouncing disclaiming blowing off scouting scorning contradicting abjuring shooting down negating retracting gainsaying disavowing forbearing turning one's back on disproving refuting unsaying forswearing revoking rebutting recanting recalling disowning taking back bypassing sticking foreswearing disallowing reneging backing down detouring abstaining (from) backing off backtracking refraining (from) disagreeing (with) Antonyms & Near Antonyms approving accepting agreeing (to) receiving adopting countenancing tolerating embracing assenting taking swallowing agreeing welcoming acceding consenting condoning selecting supporting choosing acquiescing espousing handpicking See More 4 as in offsetting to balance with an equal force so as to make ineffective no amount of flattery is likely to negative that overheard insult Synonyms & Similar Words offsetting correcting neutralizing counteracting annulling counterbalancing relieving outweighing nullifying invalidating counterpoising negating remedying cancelling (out) redeeming canceling (out) overruling compensating (for) overriding making up (for) neutering outbalancing redressing atoning (for) 5 as in refusing to be unwilling to grant ultimately, we negatived the request for a personal loan Synonyms & Similar Words denying rejecting refusing declining reprobating withholding disapproving disallowing forbidding prohibiting proscribing restraining vetoing restricting nixing enjoining banning spurning keeping constraining curbing obstructing rebuffing repelling checking repressing impeding hindering holding balking (at) Antonyms & Near Antonyms granting permitting conceding furnishing letting supplying allowing providing affording authorizing giving okaying acquiescing sanctioning licensing warranting commissioning according agreeing (to) OK'ing consenting (to) assenting (to) acceding (to) vouchsafing licencing See More
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negative

adjective

noun

verb

Synonyms

Example Sentences

Word History

Phrases Containing negative

Kids Definition

adjective

noun

Medical Definition

adjective

noun

verb