negative statement

[/ˈnɛɡətɪv ˈsteɪtmənt/]
nounpl: negative statements
declaração negativa
1. A statement that expresses the absence, denial, or negation of something; a sentence or utterance that denies, refutes, or contradicts a proposition
The negative statement 'I do not agree with this proposal' clearly expresses disagreement.
A declaração negativa 'Não concordo com esta proposta' expressa claramente desacordo.
2. In grammar, a sentence containing a negative word (such as 'not', 'never', 'no', 'neither') that reverses or denies the meaning of an affirmative statement
'She does not like coffee' is a negative statement formed from the positive 'She likes coffee.'
'Ela não gosta de café' é uma declaração negativa formada a partir da positiva 'Ela gosta de café'.
3. In logic and mathematics, a proposition that asserts the negation of another proposition
In formal logic, the negative statement of 'All cats are animals' is 'Some cats are not animals.'
Na lógica formal, a declaração negativa de 'Todos os gatos são animais' é 'Alguns gatos não são animais'.
The concept of negative statements is fundamental in both English and Portuguese language instruction, appearing prominently in grammar curricula. In Brazilian Portuguese, the formation of negative statements requires specific syntactic structures, particularly the use of 'não' as the primary negation marker. Understanding negative statements is essential for language learners as they represent one of the most basic and frequently used grammatical structures in daily communication across both American English and Brazilian Portuguese contexts.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
negationdenialnegative assertioncontradictory statementrefutation
Antonyms / Antônimos
affirmative statementpositive statementassertionconfirmation

Regional Variations

General Brazilian Portuguese
declaração negativa
Most common and standard usage throughout Brazil
Rio de Janeiro
afirmação negativa
Alternative phrasing sometimes used colloquially
São Paulo
declaração negativa
Standard formal usage in business and academic contexts
Portugal
declaração negativa
Same as Brazilian Portuguese; also 'negação' in more formal contexts

Related Words

negationdenialcontradictionrefutationaffirmationassertiongrammarsyntax

Related Idioms & Phrases

in the negative
answer in the negative
express a negative
cast a negative light
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