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negativism

negativism

5 9.3
A habit of always being against what others suggest
  • noun
  • /ˈnɛɡətɪˌvɪzəm/
  • Specialized
translation icon : negativismo
  • Ground swells of negativism toward the Endowment and government support of the arts have developed in the last ten years because of these efforts.
  • nattering negativism
  • sea of negativism
  • too much negativism

No, they're just committed to this chronic malcontentedness and negativism.

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Examples

  • So I don't share your negativism regarding the MRA name.

    Blog text (5)
  • I must admit, the negativism is defeating, which is exactly what we do not need at this time.

    Blog text (12)
  • But I would like to address your general attitude of hopeless negativism.

  • All this negativism is going to do is feed the fear mongers.

    Blog text (29)
  • Sorry for the negativism, but I'm starting to view this season as "Season Not-So-Gr8."

    Blog text (20)
  • Studies on inter-group learning have shown that the more children learn about each other's religious and cultural differences, the less negativism they will have toward other groups.

    Academic text (2002)
  • Indeed, the name for PALS, Positive Attitudes for Learning in School, evolved from discussions with parents, teachers, and children that highlighted the need to combat the negativism that often permeates inner-city schools and communities.

    Academic text (2003)
  • Her constant negativism made it difficult for the team to make progress on the project.

  • The therapist noted that his negativism was a barrier to forming healthy relationships.

  • To combat the negativism in the workplace, the manager encouraged a more positive culture.

Synonyms

negativity
vsnegativism
57 4.7

A habit of expecting bad things and saying no to ideas

focuses more on opposing and habitual resistance rather than general pessimism
negative attitude
vsnegativism
10 3.5

A way of thinking that expects bad things to happen

is more about persistent opposition and resistance than pessimistic outlook
negativeness
vsnegativism
7.4

A habit of expecting problems and saying no to ideas

is identified especially as a persistent oppositional symptom in psychiatry
nopey attitude
vsnegativism
  • Slang
9.9

A negative, unhelpful attitude that refuses or disagrees with others

is a broader, consistent opposing trait, not only brief refusal

Antonyms

A willingness to work with other people to reach a common goal

How Opposed

defiance
76 5.3
obstinacy
3 7.6
negativism
  • Specialized
5 9.3
resistance
214 4.0
reluctance
68 3.6

Surface Forms

negativism singular
negativisms plural

Morphology

negativism = negative (transparent) = negative + ism

Formed by the adjective 'negative' + the productive noun-forming suffix '-ism' to denote a tendency or doctrine of negativity, so the meaning is directly derived.

Etymology

Negativism comes from the word negative, which is built on the Latin root neg- meaning 'no' or 'to say no'. That's why negativism describes a habit of saying 'no' or often opposing ideas and suggestions.