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Definition negative in British English

negative adjective

adjective
/ˈneɡətɪv/

▪ aspect, consequence, effect, impact

▪ attitude, connotation. emotion, image, stereotype, view

Example

a negative response

Example

a negative opinion of her qualifications

Synonyms and related words
1.1

expressing opposition to something, especially when there is a choice

Example

His answer was negative.

Synonyms and related words
1.2

a negative word or phrase means 'no' or 'not'. Verb groups add 'not' or 'n't' to indicate negative meaning, for example 'Don't drive when you're tired' and 'I can't help you this time'. Words such as 'no', 'never', 'no one' and 'neither … nor' also add negative meaning, for example 'I've never heard of him', 'No problem!' and 'Throw away everything that is neither useful nor beautiful'. Word forms can add prefixes like 'un' and 'dis' to create negative forms, for example 'unhappy' and 'dislike'.

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2

harmful, or bad

Example

The ad campaign actually had a negative impact on sales.

Example

I hope the divorce won't have a negative effect on the children.

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3

giving more attention or emphasis to bad possibilities than good ones

Example

a negative attitude towards women

Example

The article presents a rather negative view of professional sports.

Synonyms and related words
Example

Her pregnancy test was negative.

Example

She's remained HIV negative for years.

Example

He tested negative for drugs and alcohol.

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5

with the same electrical charge as an electron

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6

a negative number or amount is less than zero

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Definition negative in British English