Negative Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐
negative
[หnษษกษtษชv ]
Definitions
emotion
expressing or implying denial or refusal; not positive or affirmative.
Synonyms
adverse, pessimistic, unfavorable.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| negative |
Use this word when mentioning something that is harmful, undesirable, or lacking positivity. It often describes moods, situations, outcomes, or feedback.
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| unfavorable |
This word is suited when describing conditions, opinions, or situations that are not beneficial or are against one's interests.
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| pessimistic |
Use this word when describing a negative outlook on life or situations, often expecting the worst outcomes.
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| adverse |
This word fits when talking about harmful effects or unfavorable conditions, especially in formal or medical contexts.
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Examples of usage
- He gave a negative response to the proposal.
- I am feeling very negative about the situation.
mathematics
a quantity less than zero, such as โ3.
Synonyms
less than zero, minus, opposite.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| negative |
Used to describe numerical values below zero, opposite of positive, or a general lack of something. Often used in contexts where the absence of positivity is being highlighted.
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| minus |
Commonly used in mathematics to indicate subtraction or negative numbers. It can also be used informally to signify a lack or deficiency of something.
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| opposite |
Employed to describe something that is completely different or contrary to another thing. It is more general and can be used in various contexts, like direction, nature, or opinion.
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| less than zero |
Primarily used in mathematical or scientific contexts to describe numerical values that are below zero.
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Examples of usage
- The number line includes both positive and negative numbers.
- She struggled with understanding negative integers in math class.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Negative emotions, like sadness or anger, can provide important feedback about our experiences and needs.
- Research shows that our brains tend to focus more on negative experiences than positive ones, a phenomenon known as negativity bias.
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy often addresses negative thoughts to help improve mental well-being.
Pop Culture
- Songs often explore themes of negativity, like heartbreak or disappointment, resonating with many listeners.
- Movies that portray negative outcomes often serve as cautionary tales that encourage viewers to reflect on their choices.
- Social media can amplify negative emotions, making it essential to manage online interactions.
Science
- In chemistry, a negative charge refers to an excess of electrons, which is crucial for understanding chemical reactions.
- Negative pressure in physics refers to a system that can sustain force without needing supportive pressure, often seen in vacuum systems.
- Negative feedback is essential in system control, where a change triggers an effect that reduces that initial change.
Literature
- Many literary works use negativity to highlight conflict, character flaws, or societal issues, creating depth in stories.
- The use of negative language can effectively build tension in narratives, keeping readers engaged.
- Poems often reflect on negative emotions to help readers process their feelings, making them relatable.
Origin of 'negative'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'negativus', which means 'that denies' or 'to say no'.
- It was first used in the English language around the 15th century.
- In mathematics, it describes numbers less than zero, a concept first documented in ancient India.
The word 'negative' originated in the late 14th century from the Latin word 'negativus', meaning 'denying'. Over the centuries, it has evolved to encompass various meanings including refusal, opposition, and pessimism. The mathematical use of 'negative' to represent quantities less than zero was established in the 16th century. Today, 'negative' is a commonly used term in both everyday language and academic fields.
See also: negation, negatively, negator.