adj.
      - consisting in or characterized by the absence rather than the presence of something. ▸expressing or implying denial, disagreement, or refusal. ▸
[ often in combination]
 not having a specified substance or condition: ![]()  HIV-negative. 
▸Grammar  & Logic  stating that something is not the case. Contrasted with affirmative and interrogative. ▸
[as exclam.]
 (especially in a military context) no. 
- undesirable or unwelcome. ▸pessimistic or discouraging. 
- (of a quantity) less than zero.
- containing, producing, or denoting the kind of electric charge carried by electrons.
- (of a photographic image) showing light and shade or colours reversed from those of the original.
- Brit. relating to or denoting proposed legislation which will come into force after a specified period unless explicitly rejected in a parliamentary vote.
n.
  - a word or statement expressing denial, refusal, or negation. ▸a bad or unwelcome quality or aspect. 
- a negative photographic image from which positive prints may be made.
v.
  - reject, veto, or contradict.
- render ineffective; neutralize.
Derivative
  
    - negatively adv.
- negativeness n.
- negativism n.
- negativist n. & adj.
- negativistic adj.
- negativity n.
 
  Etymology
  ME: from late L. negativus, from negare (see negate).