Negative Definition
nĕgə-tĭv
negatived, negatives, negativing
adjective
Containing, expressing, or implying a denial or refusal; that says “no”
A negative reply.
Webster's New World
Indicating opposition or resistance.
A negative reaction to the new advertising campaign.
American Heritage
Opposite to something regarded as positive.
Webster's New World
Lacking positive or constructive features, especially:
American Heritage
Of, generating, or charged with negative electricity.
Webster's New World
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
noun
negatives
A quantity less than zero, or one to be subtracted; minus quantity.
Webster's New World
A word, affix, phrase, etc. that denies, rejects, or refuses (Ex.: no, not, by no means)
Webster's New World
A statement of denial, refusal, or rejection.
Webster's New World
A statement or act that is highly critical of another or of others.
Campaign advertising that was based solely on negatives.
American Heritage
Something that lacks all positive, affirmative, or encouraging features; an element that is the counterpoint of the positive.
American Heritage
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
verb
To refuse; reject.
Webster's New World
To veto (a candidate, motion, or bill)
Webster's New World
To deny; contradict.
Webster's New World
To prove false; disprove.
Webster's New World
To counteract; neutralize.
Webster's New World
adverb
No; not so.
Webster's New World
interjection
No! not so!
Webster's New World
idiom
in the negative
- in refusal or denial of a plan, suggestion, etc.
- with a denial or negative answer
Webster's New World
Other Word Forms of Negative
Noun
Singular:
negativePlural:
negativesIdioms, Phrasal Verbs Related to Negative
- in the negative
Origin of Negative
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