in the negative

in the negative — idiom

1. used to describe how someone gives a reply that clearly says or indicates 'no',

1.idiomB2
Definition

used to describe how someone gives a reply that clearly says or indicates 'no', especially in formal situations such as business correspondence, legal proceedings, or official decisions.

Example

When Yael asked the bank manager about her loan application, he replied in the negative.

reply + in the negative — the most common verb pairing

Dahlia's parents responded in the negative when she asked to go to the late-night concert.

Common collocations
  • reply in the negative
  • answer in the negative
  • respond in the negative
Synonyms
  • say no

    more casual and conversational than 'in the negative'

  • refuse

    emphasises the act of rejecting, not just the reply itself

  • turn down

    informal, commonly used for offers, invitations, or requests

Antonyms

Grammar Patterns

reply/answer/respond + in the negative

Usage Note

Common in formal or official contexts such as business letters, legal documents, and committee votes. In everyday conversation, speakers are more likely to say 'said no' or 'turned down' instead of using this phrase.

Common Mistakes

He thought in the negative about the plan.
He replied in the negative to the proposal.
'in the negative' describes a reply of 'no', not a pessimistic attitude. To express a negative outlook, use 'negatively' or 'pessimistically'.
She answered in negative.
She answered in the negative.
The definite article 'the' is always required before 'negative' in this fixed phrase.
The boss said in the negative to my request.
The boss replied in the negative to my request.
The verbs 'reply', 'answer', and 'respond' are the natural partners for this phrase; 'say in the negative' is not idiomatic.

Synonym discussion

Sense: idiom/1

'In the negative' is a fixed formal phrase used mainly in official contexts such as business letters, legal replies, and committee decisions. 'Say no' is the most neutral and widely understood alternative, appropriate in both casual and semi-formal situations. 'Refuse' focuses on the act of rejecting rather than the wording of the reply, and it often suggests a stronger will or determination behind the decision. 'Turn down' is informal and commonly used for offers, invitations, or requests — for example: 'She turned down the job offer because the salary was too low.' In everyday speech, native speakers rarely say 'in the negative'; instead they use one of the other three options depending on the level of formality needed.

in the negative ↗say no ↗refuse ↗turn down ↗

Etymology

LatinFrenchEnglish

The word 'negative' comes from Latin 'negare' meaning 'to deny'. The fixed phrase 'in the negative' (meaning 'with a reply of no') became established in English legal and parliamentary language during the 1500s as the counterpart to 'in the affirmative' (meaning 'with a reply of yes'). It has remained in use ever since in formal registers.