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).