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0 English - Dictionary monolingual

Negative

ˈnɛɡədɪv
Very common
~ 2000
~ 2000, Very common
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
Expressing disapproval or disagreement, Pessimistic or lacking in optimism, Less than zero; indicating a loss or deficiency, Harmful or detrimental

Negative - Meanings

Expressing disapproval or disagreement

Example: She had a negative reaction to the proposal.
Usage: formalContext: professional settings, academic discussions
Note: Commonly used in formal contexts to indicate disagreement or criticism.

Pessimistic or lacking in optimism

Example: He has a negative outlook on life.
Usage: informalContext: everyday conversations, personal opinions
Note: Used informally to describe a person's general attitude towards situations or life in general.

Less than zero; indicating a loss or deficiency

Example: The company reported a negative profit margin.
Usage: formalContext: financial reports, mathematical calculations
Note: Commonly used in financial and mathematical contexts to indicate a value below zero or a deficit.

Harmful or detrimental

Example: The medication had negative side effects.
Usage: formalContext: medical discussions, product reviews
Note: Used to describe the adverse effects or consequences of something.

Negative's synonyms

adverse

Adverse means harmful or unfavorable.
Example: The adverse effects of the medication were evident.
Note: Adverse is often used in contexts where the negativity has a direct impact on something or someone.

unfavorable

Unfavorable indicates a lack of favor or approval.
Example: The unfavorable weather conditions forced the event indoors.
Note: Unfavorable is commonly used to describe circumstances or conditions that are not beneficial or advantageous.

pessimistic

Pessimistic refers to a tendency to expect the worst in situations.
Example: She had a pessimistic view of the outcome.
Note: Pessimistic is more focused on a negative outlook or expectation rather than a general sense of negativity.

detrimental

Detrimental means causing harm or damage.
Example: The lack of sleep had a detrimental effect on his performance.
Note: Detrimental emphasizes the harmful nature of the negativity and its impact on something.

Negative expressions, common phrases

Look on the bright side

This phrase means to try to be optimistic or positive in a difficult situation, even when it seems negative.
Example: Even though she didn't get the job, she decided to look on the bright side and consider it as an opportunity to explore other options.
Note: The phrase 'look on the bright side' encourages focusing on the positive aspects rather than dwelling on the negative ones.

Silver lining

This phrase refers to a hopeful or comforting aspect of an otherwise negative or unfortunate situation.
Example: The silver lining of losing his phone was that he found it while cleaning his room.
Note: The term 'silver lining' emphasizes finding something positive or beneficial in a negative event.

Glass half empty

If someone sees the glass half empty, they tend to focus on the negatives rather than the positives.
Example: He always sees the glass half empty, never acknowledging the good things in his life.
Note: This phrase contrasts with the idea of 'glass half full,' which represents a more optimistic outlook.

Down in the dumps

To feel down in the dumps means to be very unhappy or depressed.
Example: After failing the exam, she felt down in the dumps for days.
Note: This phrase conveys a strong sense of sadness or negativity in a person's mood or emotional state.

Debbie Downer

A Debbie Downer is a person who frequently expresses negative or pessimistic views.
Example: She's such a Debbie Downer, always pointing out the negatives in every situation.
Note: This phrase is used to describe a specific person who consistently brings a negative perspective to conversations or interactions.

Rain on someone's parade

To rain on someone's parade means to spoil or dampen their excitement or enthusiasm.
Example: I didn't mean to rain on your parade, but have you considered the potential risks involved?
Note: This phrase implies an action that brings negativity or disappointment to a situation that was initially positive or joyful.

Kick someone when they're down

To kick someone when they're down is to take advantage of someone's vulnerability or misfortune to make things worse for them.
Example: Instead of offering support, he chose to kick her when she was down by criticizing her work.
Note: This phrase highlights the act of adding to someone's distress or difficulties rather than providing help or comfort.

Negative everyday (slang) expressions

bummed out

To feel disappointed, sad, or upset about something.
Example: I'm really bummed out about not getting the job.
Note: More informal and colloquial than saying 'feeling negative.'

bogged down

To be overwhelmed or weighed down by tasks or problems.
Example: I'm feeling so bogged down with all these assignments.
Note: Implies feeling burdened or stalled, connecting to a sense of negativity or being stuck.

in a funk

Feeling sad, bored, or unmotivated.
Example: I've been in a funk ever since I failed that test.
Note: Conveys a sense of being in a low mood or state of negativity, similar to being 'feeling negative.'

downbeat

Negative or pessimistic in attitude or outlook.
Example: His speech had a very downbeat tone about the company's future.
Note: More specific to a negative attitude or outlook compared to just saying 'negative.'

sour grapes

Being bitter or resentful because of something unattainable.
Example: Stop with the sour grapes attitude just because you didn't win.
Note: Implies a negative attitude or behavior stemming from envy or disappointment, different from just being 'negative.'

pooped

Feeling exhausted or worn out.
Example: I'm so pooped after working all day.
Note: More colloquial than simply saying 'feeling drained,' indicating a negative physical state.

Negative - Examples

The news had a negative impact on her mood.
Eating too much junk food can be bad for your health.
The smell of the garbage was unpleasant.

Negative grammar

Negative - Adjective (Adjective) / Adjective (Adjective)
Lemma: negative
Conjugations
Adjective (Adjective): negative
Noun, plural (Noun, plural): negatives
Noun, singular or mass (Noun, singular or mass): negative
Verb, past tense (Verb, past tense): negatived
Verb, gerund or present participle (Verb, gerund or present participle): negativing
Verb, 3rd person singular present (Verb, 3rd person singular present): negatives
Verb, base form (Verb, base form): negative
Verb, non-3rd person singular present (Verb, non-3rd person singular present): negative
Syllables, Separation and Stress
negative Contains 3 syllables: neg • a • tive
Phonetic transcription: ˈne-gə-tiv
neg a tive , ˈne gə tiv (The red syllable is stressed)

Negative - Importance and usage frequency

The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000.
negative: ~ 2000 (Very common).
This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
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