What does negative mean Meaning and Definition
What does negative mean
Pronunciation
/ˈnɛgətɪv/
Part of Speech
Adjective or Adverb
Definition
A word or phrase used to indicate that something is not wanted, unwanted, or unapproved. Can also mean having a direction or value opposite to a standard or average.
Examples
- The company received a negative review from a customer.
- The teacher marked the essay with a negative grade.
- The stock market saw a negative trend last quarter.
Synonyms
- Bad
- Negligible
- Unfavorable
Antonyms
- Positive
- Good
- Favorable
Etymology
The word “negative” comes from the Latin “negare,” meaning “to deny” or “to refuse.”
Usage Notes
When using “negative” in a sentence, it’s important to consider the context and the intended meaning. For example, “The company received a negative review” is different from “The teacher marked the essay with a negative grade.”
Cultural References
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- Take a negative view
- Give something a negative spin
- Speak negatively about someone
Related Words or Phrases
- Negation
- Opposite
- Contrary
Collocations
- Negative feedback
- Negative impact
- Negative reaction
Frequency of Use
The word “negative” is commonly used in everyday language and is often seen in written and spoken communication.
Common Misspellings
- Negitiv
- Negativev
- Negetive