The meaning of NEGATIVE is marked by denial, prohibition, or refusal; also : marked by absence, withholding, or removal of something positive. How to use negative in a sentence.
When we want to say that something is not true or is not the case, we can use negative words, phrases or clauses. Negation can happen in a number of ways, most commonly, when we use a negative word such as no, not, never, none, nobody, etc: …
Indicating opposition or resistance: a negative reaction to the new advertising campaign. 2. Lacking positive or constructive features, especially: a. Unpleasant; disagreeable: had a negative experience on his first job. b. Gloomy; pessimistic: a negative outlook.
Adjective negative (comparative more negative, superlative most negative) Not positive or neutral; bad; undesirable; unfavourable.
Characterized by the omission or absence of that which is affirmative or positive: as, a negative attitude; negative goodness. Having the power of stopping or restraining by refusing assent or concurrence; imposing a veto.
a negative statement, answer, word, gesture, etc.: to answer a request with a negative; Words such as no, not, nor, and nobody are negatives. See in the negative below.
There are 23 meanings listed in OED's entry for the noun negative, nine of which are labelled obsolete. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.
NEGATIVE definition: expressing or containing negation or denial. See examples of negative used in a sentence.