negative capability

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "negative capability" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in discussions about literature, philosophy, or psychology, particularly when referring to the ability to accept uncertainty and ambiguity. Example: "The poet's work exemplifies negative capability, allowing readers to embrace the complexities of human emotion without seeking definitive answers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

This is why Keats's negative capability – "when man is capable of being in uncertainties, Mysteries, doubts without any irritable reaching after fact & reason" – is so challenging to rational animals like us.

The Guardian - Books

Keats called the creative process "negative capability... when a man is capable of being in uncertainties, mysteries, doubts, without any irritable reaching after fact and reason".

The Guardian - Opinion

"I mean Negative Capability, that is when man is capable of being in uncertainties, mysteries, doubts, without any irritable reaching after fact and reason..."...

Huffington Post

In a famous letter to his brothers, the 22-year-old English poet John Keats refers to "Negative Capability," the state of mind when someone "is capable of being in uncertainties, mysteries, doubts, without any reaching after fact or reason".

Huffington Post

It brings to mind Keats' coinage, "Negative Capability", which the poet famously defined as "when a man is capable of being in uncertainties, mysteries, doubts, without any irritable reaching after fact and reason".

Independent

Not negation, but negative capability.

The New York Times - Books

This is perhaps extreme negative capability.

The Guardian - Books

In Stoppard's case, "negative capability" has been a profitable thoroughfare.

The New Yorker

Once more we can hark back to Keats's "negative capability".

The Guardian - Books

Mason writes of impoverished Brazil with a precision and a negative capability that are truly imaginative.

The Guardian - Books

Keats, when he coined the phrase "negative capability", imagined something along these lines.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing complex topics in literature or philosophy, use "negative capability" to highlight the importance of accepting ambiguity and uncertainty.

Common error

Avoid equating "negative capability" with complete intellectual passivity. It's about active engagement with uncertainty, not simply a lack of critical thought.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "negative capability" functions as a noun phrase, typically used to describe a specific attribute or capacity. It refers to the ability to remain comfortable with uncertainties, mysteries, and doubts, without any irritable reaching after fact and reason, as Ludwig AI highlights.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "negative capability" is a noun phrase that refers to the ability to remain comfortable with uncertainty and ambiguity, primarily within intellectual or artistic contexts. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and very common in usage. It frequently appears in News & Media, Encyclopedias, and Science contexts. When using this phrase, remember that it signifies active engagement with uncertainty rather than mere passivity. Consider alternatives such as "tolerance for ambiguity" or "embracing uncertainty" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

comfortable with uncertainty

Directly indicates a state of ease when facing uncertain situations.

tolerance for ambiguity

Highlights the ability to withstand ambiguity without discomfort.

embracing uncertainty

Focuses on the positive act of accepting uncertainty rather than just the capability.

accepting paradox

Emphasizes the acceptance of contradictory ideas existing simultaneously.

openness to the unknown

Stresses a receptive attitude towards things not yet understood.

receptive mindset

Implies an openness to new ideas and experiences.

intellectual humility

Focuses on recognizing the limits of one's own understanding.

adaptive thinking

Highlights the capacity to adjust one's thoughts and strategies to changing circumstances.

cognitive flexibility

Highlights the ability to adapt one's thinking to new or changing information.

suspension of disbelief

Refers to the willingness to accept something as true, even if it seems unlikely.

FAQs

How can I use "negative capability" in a sentence?

You can use "negative capability" to describe a person's ability to remain comfortable with ambiguity and uncertainty, as in: "The author demonstrated "negative capability" by not offering easy answers to complex moral questions."

What is the origin of the term "negative capability"?

The term "negative capability" was coined by the poet John Keats in a letter to his brothers in 1817. He used it to describe the capacity of a great artist to pursue a vision of artistic beauty even when it led them into intellectual confusion and uncertainty.

What can I say instead of "negative capability"?

Alternatives to "negative capability" include "tolerance for ambiguity", "embracing uncertainty", or "accepting paradox" depending on the context.

Why is "negative capability" important in creative fields?

"Negative capability" allows artists and thinkers to explore complex ideas and emotions without the need for immediate resolution, fostering innovation and deeper understanding. It encourages a "receptive mindset" that can lead to more profound insights.