Emotions / B1

NEG-uh-tiv/ˈneɡətɪv/

Negative means bad, harmful, or saying no. A negative attitude; a negative effect; a negative answer. Positive is the pair. Pessimistic is about expecting the worst; negative can also be a test result (a negative test = you do not have it). Negatively is the adverb. In exams, avoid being too negative in tone when the task asks for a balanced view.

Meaning

Bad, harmful, or saying no.

Examples

• “Try not to be negative about small errors.”
• “The report had a negative impact on sales.”
• “Try to turn negative comments into useful advice.”

Good to know

a negative attitude / effect / answer. Pair: positive. Test result: a negative test.

Near in meaning

pessimistic

Topics

New