negative
/ˈnɛ(e)ɡəˌɾɪv/
The word functions as a conceptual mirror to "positive," but its emotional weight varies wildly depending on context. In medical or technical settings, it is often a relief—meaning the absence of a disease or problem. In social and psychological contexts, it carries a heavy negative connotation, describing a mindset of pessimism, cynicism, or a tendency to focus on failure rather than success. It suggests an energy that drains or discourages others. As a formal response, it is clinical and absolute. Unlike "no," which can be softened, a "negative" (especially in military or aviation radio speak) is a precise, binary indicator of refusal or absence.
Countable when referring to a physical piece of film used in photography or a specific 'no' answer in a conversation. Uncountable when discussing the general concept of negation in logic or grammar.
💬Casual Conversation
Did David manage to dump that extra brochure task on you after all?
Negative. I ducked out before he could corner me.
Meanings
Consisting in or characterized by the absence rather than the presence of something.
"The patient tested negative for the virus."
Expressing or implying denial, disagreement, or refusal.
"She gave a negative response to the proposal."
Having a pessimistic or critical attitude; not positive.
"Stop being so negative about your chances of success."
A word or statement that expresses denial, refusal, or negation.
"The answer to the question was a definite negative."
A photographic image on film with the lightest areas appearing darkest.
"The photographer developed the negatives in a darkroom."
Collocations & Compounds
negative attitude
A way of thinking or behaving that is pessimistic, unhelpful, or critical.
Try to maintain a negative attitude towards challenges.
negative feedback
Criticism or comments about something that are intended to help improve it.
The manager provided constructive negative feedback on the report.
negative impact
A harmful or undesirable effect.
The construction project had a negative impact on local businesses.
negative number
A number less than zero.
The temperature dropped to a negative number overnight.
negative test
A test result that indicates the absence of a particular substance, condition, or organism.
The patient received a negative test result for the virus.
Idioms & Sayings
negative equity
The situation where the value of an asset, such as a house, is less than the amount owed on it.
Many homeowners found themselves in negative equity after the housing market crash.
negative reinforcement
In operant conditioning, the removal of an unpleasant stimulus to increase the probability of a behavior.
The trainer used negative reinforcement to stop the dog from jumping.
Etymology
The word 'negative' comes from the Latin word 'negativus', meaning 'denying' or 'that denies'. This itself derives from 'negare', which means 'to deny'. The word entered English in the mid-15th century, initially in a logical or philosophical sense, referring to a statement that denies something. Its usage later expanded to cover mathematical concepts (negative numbers), scientific measurements, and general expressions of denial or absence of a quality.