Word
negatively
Phoneticsneg·a·tive·ly, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈnɛɡətɪvɫi/
UK/nˈɛɡətˌɪvli/
Adverb of manner
Definitions
01with a bad or harmful effect
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adv. in a way that causes problems or has a bad result.
adv. in a manner that is damaging, detrimental, or produces an unfavourable outcome.
“The loud noise from the construction site affected the students' concentration negatively.”
“Economists warned that the proposed tax increases would likely affect consumer spending negatively over the next fiscal year.”
Usage
Often follows the verb it modifies, particularly when used with 'affect' or 'impact'.
Synonyms
Antonyms
02with a pessimistic attitude
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adv. in a way that shows you are thinking about the bad parts of a situation.
adv. expressing a lack of optimism, enthusiasm, or approval.
“He always speaks negatively about his job, even though he earns a good salary.”
“The critics reacted negatively to the director's experimental approach, citing a lack of narrative cohesion in the second act.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
03saying no
C1 · Advanced Formal
adv. answering with the word 'no' or refusing a request.
adv. in the form of a negative response or refusal; used to indicate a 'no' answer.
“When asked if he wanted to lead the project, he responded negatively.”
“The board of directors voted negatively on the merger proposal, effectively ending the acquisition talks.”
Usage
Commonly used with verbs of communication like 'respond', 'answer', or 'vote'.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “negatively” in context.
Verb
01. negatively affect
“The lack of sleep will negatively affect your performance at work tomorrow.”
adv + verb
02. negatively associate
“Many people negatively associate the smell of bleach with hospitals.”
adv + verb
03. negatively correlate
“Exercise levels and the risk of heart disease often negatively correlate.”
adv + verb
04. negatively impact
“High interest rates can negatively impact the housing market.”
adv + verb
05. negatively relate
“The two variables negatively relate to each other in this specific study.”
adv + verb
06. assign negatively
07. rejection negatively
Real-World Examples
“Among those affected, four in 10 (44%) workers reported that their well-being had been negatively affected by drought, while nearly three-quarters (72%) said they had been negatively affected by extreme heat events.” “Importantly, the therapy did not negatively affect sleep.” “For example, an angry review might cause readers to trust the reviewer less and discount the review while still making them feel negatively about the product being reviewed.” Etymology
From negative + -ly.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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