How to pronounce negative
Say it like NEG-uh-tiv. Negative has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (NEG).
- NEG
- uh
- tiv
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Negative pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- NEGSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- tivKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
American vs British pronunciation of negative
- Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t.
British respelling: NEG-uh-tiv.
What does negative mean?
- Not positive or neutral; bad; undesirable; unfavourable.“The high exchange rate will have a negative effect on our profits.”
- Of a number: less than zero.
- Less than zero degrees Celsius or Fahrenheit.“I was out in negative weather today.”
- Refusal or withholding of assents; prohibition, veto
- An unfavorable point or characteristic.
- A right of veto.
- To refuse; to veto.
- To contradict.
- To disprove.
Where does negative come from?
From Middle English negative, negatif, from Old French negatif, from Latin negātīvus (“that denies, negative”), from negāre (“to deny”); see negate.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Opposite meaning
Questions about saying negative
How do you pronounce negative?
Say NEG-uh-tiv. The American pronunciation is /ˈnɛɡətɪv/. In British English it is /ˈnɛɡətɪv/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in negative?
Negative has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (NEG). Broken into parts: NEG · uh · tiv.
Is negative pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t. The British form is /ˈnɛɡətɪv/ (NEG-uh-tiv).