# negatively

/ˈnɛɡətɪvɫi/ (US) · /nˈɛɡətˌɪvli/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/negatively
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. with a bad or harmful effect

adverb · CEFR B2

in a way that causes problems or has a bad result.

For teachers: 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'.

### 2. with a pessimistic attitude

adverb · CEFR B2

in a way that shows you are thinking about the bad parts of a situation.

For teachers: 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.

### 3. saying no

adverb · CEFR C1 · Formal

answering with the word 'no' or refusing a request.

For teachers: 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'.

## Examples

- The bad weather affected the crops negatively.
- The new tax laws will likely affect small businesses negatively over the next fiscal year.
- The board's decision to cut funding was viewed negatively by the staff, who feared that essential services would be compromised by the lack of resources.

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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.