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negative

B2
UK/ˈneɡ.ə.tɪv/US/ˈneɡ.ə.t̬ɪv/

Formal, Neutral, Technical

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Definition

Meaning

Expressing denial, refusal, or opposition; characterized by the absence, lack, or opposite of something positive.

In various contexts: a photographic image with reversed tones; a result indicating absence of a condition (e.g., medical test); a quantity less than zero; a pessimistic or unconstructive attitude.

Linguistics

Semantic Notes

The word spans concrete domains (maths, science) and abstract/psychological ones (attitude, response). Its core sense of 'saying no' or 'denying' underpins most uses.

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

Minimal. 'In the negative' is slightly more formal/dated in both, but perhaps retains slightly more currency in UK officialese. The verb 'to negative' (to reject) is rare and archaic in both.

Connotations

Identical in core meanings. In casual speech, 'negative' as a standalone response (e.g., "Negative, we don't have clearance") is influenced by military/aviation jargon and is equally understood.

Frequency

Equally high frequency in both varieties across all registers.

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong
test resultimpactfeedbackchargeattitudecorrelationbalancepublicity
medium
consequencesemotionsaspectsresponseopinionimageequity
weak
feelingsoutlooksideviewnewsreaction

Grammar

Valency Patterns

be negative about sthhave a negative effect on sthprove/test negative for sthanswer in the negativenegatives outweigh the positives

Vocabulary

Synonyms

Strong

damninghostiledetrimentaldeleterious

Neutral

unfavourableadversepessimisticunenthusiastic

Weak

downbeatunpromisingdiscouraging

Vocabulary

Antonyms

positiveaffirmativefavourableoptimisticconstructive

Phrases

Idioms & Phrases

  • “on a negative note”
  • “accentuate the negative”
  • “in the negative”
  • “negatives outweigh the positives”

Usage

Context Usage

Business

Refers to negative growth, cash flow, or equity. Also used in 'negative feedback' from customers.

Academic

Used in sciences for negative results, controls, correlations; in humanities for critical analysis.

Everyday

Describing a bad attitude, unpleasant experience, or a 'no' answer.

Technical

In physics/electronics: negative charge/pole; in maths: negative number; in photography: negative film.

Examples

By Part of Speech

verb

British English

  • The board negatived the proposal after a lengthy debate. (archaic/formal)

American English

  • The motion was negatived by a majority vote. (archaic/formal)

Examples

By CEFR Level

A2
  • The answer was negative.
  • He has a negative opinion about the plan.
B1
  • The economic news has been very negative this week.
  • Try not to focus on the negative aspects.
B2
  • The negative publicity severely damaged the brand's reputation.
  • There is a negative correlation between exercise and heart disease.
C1
  • The study's findings were negatived by a critical flaw in its methodology.
  • Investors reacted negatively to the company's lacklustre forecast.

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

Think of a battery: the NEGATIVE (-) terminal is the opposite of the positive (+). It's the 'no' or 'less than zero' side.

Conceptual Metaphor

BAD IS DOWN/NEGATIVE (e.g., 'negative trends', 'spiralling downwards'); LACK/OPPOSITION IS NEGATIVE.

Watch out

Common Pitfalls

Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)

  • Не путать с 'негативный' (часто эмоционально окрашенный) и 'отрицательный' (более нейтральный, логический). В русском 'негатив' — это фотоснимок, в английском 'a negative' (сущ.).

Common Mistakes

  • Using 'negative' as a verb in modern contexts (archaic). Confusing 'negative' with 'negligent'. Overusing 'negative' for mild criticism.

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap
The research highlighted the effects of sleep deprivation on cognitive function.
Multiple Choice

In which context does 'negative' NOT mean 'bad' or 'harmful'?

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, 'very negative' is grammatically correct and common for emphasis, though stylistically 'highly negative' or 'extremely negative' might be preferred in formal writing.

'Negative' is broader, describing anything unfavourable or opposing. 'Pessimistic' specifically describes an expectation that bad things will happen. A person can be negative about a past event (critical) but pessimistic about a future one (expecting failure).

Yes. Common uses include: a photographic negative, a negative test result ("The test was a negative"), or a grammatically negative word (e.g., 'not' is a negative).

Acknowledge it without being defensive, ask for specific examples, separate the person from the problem, and identify actionable points for improvement. A phrase like 'Thank you for the feedback, I will reflect on that' is often appropriate.