negative word

USAGE SUMMARY

"negative word" is not correct and usable in written English.
You can use "negatively charged word" instead. For example, "the discussion took a turn for the worse when he uttered a negatively charged word".

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

That's a negative word.

The New York Times - Sports

"It's not a negative word, it's negative.

The Guardian

Is politics a negative word for her now?

The Guardian

She received hardly a negative word in the press.

The New Yorker

Musicians can't say a negative word about him.

The New York Times - Arts

"Copycatting sounds like such a negative word," she said.

The New York Times

"You're going to lose by negative word of mouth".

The New York Times - Travel

"I haven't heard one negative word from anyone.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

The results indicate that negative word-of-mouth is more damaging in markets where there is a higher degree of heterogeneity.

International Journal of Research in Marketing

The findings unfold that perceived unfairness and dis-/satisfaction with the outcome can cause negative reactions of participants like negative word-of-mouth.

Journal of Business Research

This study explores the adverse effects of customer disappointment after adoption accompanied by spreading negative word-of-mouth on firm profits.

International Journal of Research in Marketing

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing sentiment analysis or emotional tone, consider using more precise terms like "negatively charged word" or "word with negative connotations" for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "negative word" as a blanket term for all words that express negativity. Different words carry distinct emotional weight and contextual relevance. Choose words that accurately reflect the intended meaning and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "negative word" primarily functions as a noun phrase, acting as a subject or object in a sentence. It refers to a word that carries a negative connotation or expresses a negative sentiment. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is not considered correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "negative word" is a common way to refer to terms that carry negative connotations. However, as Ludwig AI points out, it's not always considered the most grammatically correct or precise phrasing. While examples abound in news, science, and general media, better alternatives for formal writing include "word with negative connotations", "pejorative term", or "negatively charged word". When using the phrase, consider the context and whether a more specific term would provide greater clarity. Be mindful that the phrase can be overly general, and choosing a word that accurately reflects the intended nuance is essential for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bad word

Emphasizes the inappropriateness or offensiveness of the word, often in social settings.

harmful word

Focuses on the potential damage or hurt caused by the word.

damaging word

Stresses the harm that the word can inflict, similar to "harmful word".

unfortunate word

Focuses on the regretful or unsuitable nature of the word in a specific context.

devastating word

Highlights the extremely destructive or shocking impact of the word.

pernicious word

Highlights the harmful or destructive impact of a particular word.

negative expression

Broader term encompassing any phrase or statement conveying a negative sentiment.

negative terminology

Implies a formal or technical context where negative concepts are labelled with specific terms.

negative vocabulary

Refers to the collection of negative words a person knows or uses.

passive word

Suggests a lack of action or directness conveyed by a particular word.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "negative word" to sound more formal?

Consider using phrases like "word with negative connotations", "pejorative term", or "derogatory word" depending on the specific context. The phrase "negatively charged word" is also more descriptive.

What's the difference between "negative word" and "bad word"?

"Bad word" typically refers to profanity or offensive language, while "negative word" is a broader term that includes any word with a negative connotation, such as "sad", "difficult", or "problem".

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "negative word"?

It's appropriate when you need a general term to refer to a word that carries negative meaning or evokes a negative emotion. However, it's often better to be more specific about the type of negativity involved.

Is "negative word" grammatically correct?

While widely understood, "negative word" can be considered informal. Using more descriptive alternatives like "word with negative connotations" or "pejorative term" improves grammatical precision.