as a negative term

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as a negative term" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the connotation or meaning of a word or phrase that is perceived negatively. Example: "The word 'feminist' has often been used as a negative term in certain contexts, despite its original intent to promote equality."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Antimatter, for example, appeared as a negative term in an equation long before it appeared in a particle accelerator.

The Economist

On the other end of the Asian-American identity sliding scale, there's the figure of the "FOB," or fresh off the boat ― also seen as a negative term.

Huffington Post

He recently asked the Cambridge Dictionary to change the definition of the word arguing that most infosec professionals, according to a recent survey, don't see it as a negative term.

Vice

"Multiculturalism" is used as a negative term for the blending of multiple cultures, as opposed to celebrating the supposed superiority of Western European culture.. Often used as shorthand for policies that benefit immigrants and people of color.

Los Angeles Times

Remember: the term Otaku is often known as a negative term in Japan, so it may be best (for your social life) if you use less "negative" terms, such as anime fan, lover, ect.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Inclusion of PCzero as a negative linear term added a further 0.01 to the model while the addition of age as a positive linear term contributed a further 0.01 to the overall model.

New Zealand Journal of Forestry Science

Because the time derivative of the turbulence quantities may behave as a negative source term it is treated implicitly.

Computer Methods in Applied Mechanics and Engineering

Inclusion of H01 in a quadratic form accounted for 76% of the variation in the data while addition of skewness as a negative linear term increased the R2 by 0.03 to 0.79 (Table 4).

New Zealand Journal of Forestry Science

You'd never use a physical illness like cancer as a negative throwaway term to mean lazy or weak.

Vice

Not all campers consider a pool a bonus, those seeking a quiet retreat often view pools as a bonus in terms of an additional facility but as a negative in terms of attracting other campers of a noisier disposition.

WikiHow

Quite often the term was even perceived as insulting: "It's a very negative term.

BMC Family Practice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing the impact of language, be specific about why a term is considered negative. Providing context helps the reader understand the implications.

Common error

Avoid assuming that a term is universally seen as negative. Perceptions can vary across cultures, communities, and contexts. Qualify your statement to reflect this potential variance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as a negative term" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or adjective to describe the manner in which a particular term is perceived or used. The phrase adds context by specifying that the term carries negative connotations or is employed in a disapproving way. Examples from Ludwig confirm this usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

32%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Formal & Business

4%

Academia

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "as a negative term" is a grammatically sound and useful construction for indicating that a word or phrase carries negative connotations. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability across different contexts. While not overly frequent, its presence in news, scientific publications, and encyclopedias highlights its broad applicability. When using this phrase, providing context is crucial to avoid overgeneralizations and ensure clarity about the perceived negativity. Alternatives like "in a derogatory sense" or "with negative connotations" offer similar meanings, but the best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

with negative connotations

Highlights the negative associations or implications linked to the term.

in a derogatory sense

Emphasizes the demeaning or disparaging nature of the term or expression.

in a pejorative way

Similar to "in a derogatory sense" but focuses more on the manner in which the term is used.

as a disparaging label

Specifically indicates the term is used to belittle or discredit something.

as an unfavorable descriptor

Highlights the term's role in describing something in a negative light.

as a disapproving expression

Highlights that the term conveys disapproval or criticism.

pejoratively speaking

Focuses on the manner of speaking rather than the term itself, highlighting the derogatory intention behind the language used.

with a negative spin

Emphasizes the biased or negative interpretation applied to the term.

in a critical light

Focuses on the term's association with criticism or fault-finding.

as a form of criticism

Explicitly states that the term functions as a form of censure or disapproval.

FAQs

What does it mean when a word is used "as a negative term"?

When a word or phrase is used "as a negative term", it means it's being used to express disapproval, criticism, or a generally unfavorable opinion. The term carries negative connotations and is often used to demean or belittle the subject.

How can I identify if a word is being used "as a negative term"?

Context is key. Look for clues like the tone of the speaker or writer, the surrounding words, and the overall message. If the word is used to criticize, insult, or express disapproval, it's likely being used "as a negative term".

What are some alternatives to saying "as a negative term"?

You can use alternatives like "in a derogatory sense", "with negative connotations", or "as a disparaging label" depending on the specific context.

Is it always wrong to use a word "as a negative term"?

Not necessarily. Sometimes, using a word "as a negative term" is appropriate if you're accurately reflecting a negative quality or criticizing something harmful. However, it's important to be mindful of the potential impact of your words and avoid using them to unjustly demean or belittle others.