negative

Use the word "negative" to describe attitudes, opinions, responses, comments, and results. "Negative is the opposite of "positive."

Attitudes:

• Yolanda has a negative attitude at work.
• Why is she so negative about everything?
• Don’t be so negative.
• Harold developed negatives feelings about his job.
• It’s a good idea to stay away from people who are negative if you want to succeed in life.

Responses and Comments :

• His answer to the proposal was negative.
• The reviews of the movie were mostly negative.
• The student countered the teacher’s position with a negative argument.
• Public reaction to the speech was largely negative.
• Negative feedback from employees resulted in changes to their health insurance benefits.

Results:

• The results of the pregnancy test were negative.
• Mario tested negative for the virus.
• We’re all relieved that the tests came back negative.
• The negative effects of alcohol on the body and the brain are well known.

Math and Science:

• If you multiply two negative numbers together, the result is a positive number.
• We studied negative ions in science class today.
• Peter’s blood type is AB negative.
• Batteries have negative and positive terminals.

It’s also possible to use "negative" as a noun:

• Their response was in the negative.
• You have to weigh the positives against the negatives when making a decision.
• The negativity in the room could not be offset by Maria’s cheerful attitude.

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May 18, 2016