Reading Theme:
Negative: Definition, Usage & Key Examples (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：pessimistic or harmful (negative)
negative
/ˈnɛɡətɪv/
adj.
Describes thoughts or feelings that are bad, harmful, or cause you to feel unhappy, without hope.
pessimistic or harmful
➕
/ˌpɛsɪˈmɪstɪk ɔːr ˈhɑːrmfəl/
adj.
Refers to thoughts, feelings, or situations that are adverse, detrimental, or conducive to unhappiness and lack of hope.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Latin 'negativus', meaning 'denying', derived from 'negare' (to deny).
💡 Mnemonic
Think 'neg-' as in 'negate', meaning to cancel or deny, helping recall negative's core sense of refusal or pessimism.
📖 Example
After failing the interview, he tried to avoid negative thoughts and focus on preparing for the next opportunity.
He attempted to steer clear of pessimistic thinking after the interview failure and concentrate on future preparations.
🔗 Collocations
negative attitude – a disapproving or uncooperative mindset
negative impact – harmful effect or consequence
negative feedback – criticism or unfavorable response
🔄 Synonyms
pessimistic (adj.) – tending to see the worst aspect of things
unfavorable (adj.) – not advantageous or approving
adverse (adj.) – preventing success or development; harmful
🚫 Antonyms
positive (adj.) – optimistic or constructive in nature
optimistic (adj.) – hopeful and confident about the future
🌱 Derivatives
negatively (adv.) – in a negative manner
negativity (n.) – the state or character of being negative
📖 Cultural Story
Derived from Latin 'negativus' (denying), entering English in the 14th century. Widely used in mathematics for numbers less than zero, in medicine for test results indicating absence, and in psychology for pessimistic attitudes.
Meaning 2：indicating refusal or denial (negative)
negative
/ˈnɛɡətɪv/
adj.
Meaning or saying 'no', showing refusal, denial, or expressing that something is not true or not allowed.
indicating refusal or denial
➕
/ɪnˈdɪkeɪtɪŋ rɪˈfjuːzəl ɔːr dɪˈnaɪəl/
adj.
Signifies a response or stance that expresses negation, refusal, or the absence or falsity of something.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
The doctor's answer was negative; the new medicine had no harmful side effects for children.
The doctor's response indicated a denial; the new medication was found to have no adverse effects on children.
🔗 Collocations
negative response – an answer expressing refusal or disapproval
negative answer – a reply that means 'no' or indicates absence
negative result – an outcome showing the absence of a condition, often in tests
🔄 Synonyms
denying (adj.) – refusing to admit the truth or existence of something
refusal (n.) – the act of declining or rejecting something
contradictory (adj.) – inconsistent or opposing in nature
🚫 Antonyms
affirmative (adj.) – expressing agreement or confirmation
positive (adj.) – indicating the presence or approval of something
Wordbook
Your data is saved in this browser