negative

²negative

noun

Definition of NEGATIVE

1

a (1) : a reply that indicates the withholding of assent : refusal (2) archaic : a right of veto (3) obsolete : an adverse vote : veto b : a proposition which denies or contradicts another; especially : the one of a pair of propositions in which negation is expressed

2

a : something that is the opposite or negation of something else b : drawback, liability

3

a : an expression (as the word no) of negation or denial b : a negative number

4

: the side that upholds the contradictory proposition in a debate

5

: a negative photographic image on transparent material used for printing positive pictures; also : the material that carries such an image

6

: a reverse impression taken from a piece of sculpture or ceramics

7

: a negative result (as of a test) <a high rate of false negatives>; also : a test yielding such a result

Examples of NEGATIVE

1. “No” and “not” are negatives.
2. Can I have the negatives to make copies of the photos?

First Known Use of NEGATIVE

1571

Related to NEGATIVE

Synonyms: nay, no, non placet

Antonyms: positive, yea, yes

Related Words: con; blackball, veto; denial, negation, refusal

Near Antonyms: pro; acceptance, approval, grace

see all synonyms and antonyms

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