# negate

/nɪˈɡeɪt/ (US) · /nɪɡˈeɪt/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/negate
Updated: 2026-05-18

## Definition

to make something useless or to cancel its effect. In computing, it means to change the value of a variable to the opposite of what it was.

For teachers: to make something ineffective or to cancel the effect of something else. In a logical or programming context, it refers to the operation that inverts the truth value of a proposition or the state of a variable.

## Examples

- The new law will negate the previous agreement.
- In programming, you use the 'not' operator to negate a boolean value, turning true into false and vice versa.
- The proposed tax reform may negate the benefits of the previous stimulus package, effectively nullifying the intended economic recovery by increasing the cost of living for consumers.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.