Looking for the meaning of the word NEGATIVE in English for both noun and verb forms from the Oxford Dictionary? Below, you can explore all possible meanings and definitions of NEGATIVE with sentence examples. You can also use the “AUDIO PRONUNCIATION” track to check the correct pronunciation in British English.
Word: Negative
Speech Type: Adjective
late Middle English: from late Latin negativus, from negare ‘deny’ (see negate)
ˈnɛɡətɪv
consisting in or characterized by the absence rather than the presence of distinguishing features.
Short Definition:characterized by absence of distinguishing features
(of a person, attitude, or situation) not desirable or optimistic
Short Definition:not desirable or optimistic
Examples:- the new tax was having a negative effect on car sales
- not all the news is negative
- I don't want to be negative, but I don't see how we could do it
(of a quantity) less than zero.
Short Definition:less than zero
containing, producing, or denoting the kind of electric charge carried by electrons.
Short Definition:denoting electric charge carried by electrons
(of a photographic image) showing light and shade or colours reversed from those of the original.
Short Definition:(of photographic image) not positive
relating to or denoting any of the earth or water signs, considered passive in nature.
Short Definition:relating to earth or water signs
(in Parliament) relating to or denoting proposed legislation which will come into force after a specified period unless explicitly rejected in a parliamentary vote.
Short Definition:relating to legislation
Word: Negative
Speech Type: Noun
ˈnɛɡətɪv
a word or statement that expresses denial, disagreement, or refusal
Short Definition:word or statement expressing denial
Examples:- she replied in the negative
a negative photographic image made on film or specially prepared glass, from which positive prints may be made
Short Definition:negative photographic image
Examples:- photographs and negatives should be supplied for enlargement purposes
a result of a test or experiment indicating that a certain substance or condition is not present or does not exist
Short Definition:negative result of test
Examples:- the percentage of false negatives generated by a cancer test was of great concern
the part of an electric circuit that is at a lower electrical potential than another part designated as having zero electrical potential.
Short Definition:part of electric circuit
a number less than zero.
Short Definition:number less than zero
Word: Negative
Speech Type: Verb
ˈnɛɡətɪv
refuse to accept; reject
Short Definition:refuse to accept
Examples:- the bill was negatived on second reading by 130 votes to 129
render ineffective; neutralize
Short Definition:render ineffective
Examples:- should criminal law allow consent to negative what would otherwise be a crime?
In Word Games
Scramble Word Scores
Words with Friends
✅ Available
Score: 15
SOWPODS
✅ Available
Score: 12
OTCWL
✅ Available
Score: 12
