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Negativity: meaning, definitions and examples

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negativity

 

[ˌnɛɡəˈtɪvɪti ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

feeling

Negativity refers to a pessimistic attitude or mindset characterized by critical and cynical thoughts.

Synonyms

criticism, cynicism, pessimism.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
negativity

Negativity refers to a general attitude of skepticism, doubt, and unenthusiasm. It’s often used to describe a negative mindset that affects one's outlook on life, work, or relationships.

  • Her constant negativity made it difficult to have a conversation with her.
  • The team was discouraged by his negativity about the project's success.
pessimism

Pessimism refers to a tendency to expect the worst possible outcome or to see the negative side of things. It’s a general outlook that things will turn out badly.

  • His pessimism about the future made it difficult for him to plan ahead.
  • Despite the challenges, she refused to give in to pessimism.
cynicism

Cynicism is the belief that people are motivated purely by self-interest. It often involves distrust of others' sincerity and a pessimistic view of human nature.

  • His cynicism about politics made it hard for him to trust any politician.
  • Her cynical view of human nature led her to believe everyone had selfish motives.
criticism

Criticism involves expressing disapproval or finding faults. It can be constructive, meant to help improve something, or it can be harsh and hurtful.

  • She appreciated the constructive criticism on her report as it helped her improve.
  • He was upset by the harsh criticism he received.

Examples of usage

  • His constant negativity was bringing down the team morale.
  • She couldn't stand the negativity surrounding her workplace.
Context #2 | Noun

electricity

Negativity is a term used in physics to describe the charge of an electron or ion that has gained one or more additional electrons.

Synonyms

electron charge, negative charge.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
negativity

Use 'negativity' when referring to a general sense of pessimism, bad attitude, or negative emotions. It can describe a person's outlook or the atmosphere in a situation, and it typically carries a negative connotation.

  • The meeting was filled with so much negativity that no progress could be made.
  • Her constant negativity is draining, making it hard to stay motivated.
negative charge

Use 'negative charge' when explaining electrical properties, often in physics, chemistry, or engineering contexts. It can describe any particle or system that has an excess of electrons, not limited to electrons themselves.

  • The balloon acquired a negative charge when rubbed against the wool.
  • When ions in a solution have a negative charge, they are called anions.
electron charge

Use 'electron charge' in scientific and educational contexts when discussing the properties of electrons in physics or chemistry. It usually refers specifically to the fundamental negative charge carried by an electron.

  • The electron charge is approximately -1.602 x 10^-19 coulombs.
  • Understanding electron charge is crucial for studying atomic structure.

Examples of usage

  • The accumulation of negativity on the balloon caused it to stick to the wall.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Negative thinking can affect how we feel and act, often leading to stress and unhappiness.
  • Cognitive distortions are common ways of negative thinking, like believing everything is always bad.
  • Practicing positive thinking can help improve mental health and overall well-being.

Sociology

  • People with negative attitudes can influence their friends and family, creating a ripple effect.
  • Cultural differences can affect how negativity is perceived and expressed in different societies.
  • Social media can amplify negativity, as people are more likely to share complaining or negative posts than positive ones.

Pop Culture

  • Negativity is often portrayed in movies and songs, showing the struggle of overcoming bad feelings.
  • Characters that embody negativity often serve as antagonists, highlighting the contrast with positive characters.
  • Popular phrases like 'negative vibes' or 'toxic positivity' emerge from cultural discussions about how we feel.

Health

  • Chronic negativity can lead to physical health issues, like heart disease and weakened immune function.
  • Mindfulness and meditation practice can help reduce negative thinking and improve mental clarity.
  • Many wellness programs focus on reducing negativity to enhance emotional resilience and overall health.

Philosophy

  • Philosophers often discuss negativity in the context of suffering and the human condition.
  • Some schools of thought argue that acknowledging negativity is crucial for appreciating the positive aspects of life.
  • Existentialism addresses the challenges of negative emotions and finding meaning despite suffering.

Translations

Translations of the word "negativity" in other languages:

🇵🇹 negatividade

🇮🇳 नकारात्मकता

🇩🇪 Negativität

🇮🇩 negativitas

🇺🇦 негативність

🇵🇱 negatywność

🇯🇵 ネガティビティ (negatibiti)

🇫🇷 négativité

🇪🇸 negatividad

🇹🇷 negatiflik

🇰🇷 부정적임 (bujeongjeog-im)

🇸🇦 سلبية (salbiya)

🇨🇿 negativita

🇸🇰 negativita

🇨🇳 消极性 (xiāojíxìng)

🇸🇮 negativnost

🇮🇸 neikvæðni

🇰🇿 негативтілік

🇬🇪 უარყოფითობა (uarkhopitoba)

🇦🇿 neqativlik

🇲🇽 negatividad

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #20,660, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.