negative — expressing or containing denial or refusal; lacking positive qualities
Part of speech: ADJECTIVE
Definition: expressing or containing denial or refusal; lacking positive qualities
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈneɡətɪv/
Example Sentences
- My phone battery is negative about working past 3 PM.
- The COVID test came back negative, which was great news.
- Stop being so negative about Monday mornings - they're just Sundays in disguise!
negative
ADJECTIVE[/ˈneɡətɪv/]
expressing or containing denial or refusal; lacking positive qualities

The boy had a negative attitude and thought he would fail before the race even started.

The negative student said "no" to the science project before trying it. (NO + GIVE → give an idea no chance = negative)

The negative student became creative and eventually innovative after deciding to try something new.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Latin 'negativus', derived from 'negare' meaning 'to deny or refuse'. The word entered English through Old French and Latin legal and philosophical terminology.
Breakdown
neg- (deny, refuse) + -ative (adjective suffix indicating a quality or state) = negative
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My phone battery is negative about working past 3 PM.”
“The COVID test came back negative, which was great news.”
“Stop being so negative about Monday mornings - they're just Sundays in disguise!”
“The negative effects of pollution on the environment are becoming more serious.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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