negative

Pronunciation: /ˈnɛɡ.ə.tɪv/

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: B2 — Upper-Intermediate

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun a reply of denial
  2. noun a piece of photographic film showing an image with light and shade or colors reversed
  3. verb vote against; refuse to endorse; refuse to assent

Etymology

From Middle English negative, negatif, from Old French negatif, from Latin negātīvus (“that denies, negative”), from negāre (“to deny”); see negate.

In classic literature

Semantic network

Broader (hypernyms)
denial
Narrower (hyponyms)
double negative, nay, no
Opposite (antonyms)
affirmative

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