Negate Definition – Meaning and Usage In A Sentence

Articulation is an integral part of the English language; however, beyond being articulate in your speech, you need to be familiar with the particular word’s meaning and usage in various contexts. Take a word like negate, for instance; when was the last time you used the word in your writing? And do you know the appropriate negate definition and meaning?

“Negate” means refusing, denying, preventing, or proving something false. In many sentences, it also means “to cause something not to become irrelevant, null, ineffective, or obsolete.” Other synonyms used to describe the word include neutralize, contradict, disagree, or take issue.

Knowing a word like negate will certainly improve your vocabulary, but first, learn how to use the word in different contexts. Don’t worry if you’re unfamiliar with the word. This article will discuss the negate definition and meaning, and give some practice sentences to help you understand the word better.

What Is the Definition of Negate?

When used as a verb, the word negate means “to make irrelevant or ineffective by neutralizing its effect.” This word is suitable when describing a situation where something or someone nullifies or counters a certain effect or effort with another.

In a sentence: Despite the church elders’ persistent efforts to eliminate drug use in the community, dirty police officers negate their efforts.

The word also means denying or playing down the existence of evidence of something or someone. When a fact or something proven is contradicted or contravened to make it look false, we can say that it is being negated.

Use the term to describe people in different situations that give different opinions to counter what the other is stating. For instance: The governor was the first to negate the report presented by the Senate.

What Is the Meaning of Negate?

The word negate means proving negative, showing or presenting something or someone as untrue. This version of the definition applies in situations where an existing belief may not be true is challenged. 

The word also stands out in legal or scientific fields with constantly challenged opinions and facts. In a sentence: The lawyers made some compelling arguments that negate the previous ruling made by the judge.

The word negate also means to make something invalid or cancel it. When an action is negated, it can no longer be carried out or is made illegal. For instance, when a court negates an order, the actions planned about the order won’t be executed.

In a sentence: The government intended to increase the workers’ wages, but inflation negated those plans.

Is Negate a Negative Word?

Yes, the word may be negative. However, despite the word meaning to cancel, nullify or make ineffective, it can apply in positive or negative situations. 

“Negate” shares some similarities with the word negative, which means not positive or unable to see the positive side of things. And since negate means to deny the existence, truth, evidence, or contradict someone or something, it can also describe someone negative or something that will result in negativity.

The word may apply in negative situations; however, it does not mean that you cannot have it in positive situations. For instance, someone may have false evidence against you. If you give a true account, you can be said to have negated the earlier testimony. Thus, the word can be used in both situations but is originally a negative term.

How to Use Negate in a Sentence

The word negate is used in various forms that include its noun form (negation) and adjective form (negative).

Negation is the noun form of the word negate that refers to the state or quality of being negated. Another acceptable noun form of the term is negator. This word describes someone that does the negating action. Read a few sentences below:

• The politician was arrested recently after a report terming him as the negator of government projects.
• Alcohol is responsible for the negation of the body’s recovery process and is a cause of death in many alcoholics.

The word negative is used as the adjective form of the word negate. It describes the noun before it, for instance, a negative comment. Nevertheless, you can only use this word as an adjective in certain situations. Read a few sentences below:

• Despite their well-thought-out plan of execution, the general gave a negative response to their plan and had it dropped.
• Harley used to have a negative perception of police officers until they saved him from a hostage situation.

10 Examples of Negate in a Sentence

Now that you understand how to use the word as a noun or adjective, it’s essential to practice it. The following ten sentences have incorporated the word negate in its various forms to help you understand how to use it better.

1. Importing a luxury car is an excellent idea, but the shipping expenses and taxes can negate your dream.
2. I believe LeBron’s selfish actions and player injuries have negated the Laker’s shot at the title this year.
3. Various European and Western leaders have attempted to talk to Putin to stand down his offense in Ukraine and negate the effects of the war.
4. Admittedly, the research has shown remarkable discoveries in science; however, progress has been negated by the lack of funds.
5. These exercises have little to no effect on your muscles; it does not negate their value to your body.
6. Many have believed in the existence of aliens, but the government has conducted experiments to negate these beliefs.
7. The Senate vowed to shoot down the President’s recovery bill because they believe it negates the country’s economic progress.
8. The word “nicht” is used to negate sentences in the German language.
9. It doesn’t matter whether you have the best offensive team; a great defensive team can negate any attack raised against them.
10. While it’s important to save some of your money every month, unexpected expenses can negate your saving plan.

How Do You Spell Negate?

The word negate a six-letter word spelled \ n.e.g.a.t.e \ or \ ni-ˈgāt \ according to the IPA.

Remember to add the “e” at the end of the word, which is silent and is often left out.

How Do You Pronounce Negate?

The word negate is pronounced as [nuh.gayt].

This word is simple to pronounce since it has two syllables. To learn how to pronounce the word negate, watch and listen to an expert say the word and mark where to stress the word. Whichever accent, when pronouncing “negate,” remember to practice regularly.

Synonyms Of The Word “Negate”

• Undo
• Disallow
• Annihilate
• Cancel
• Retract
• Rebut

Antonyms Of The Word “Negate”

• Allow
• Do
• Confirm
• Star
• Permit
• Agree

How Many Syllables Are In Negate?

Negate has two syllables; [ne] [gate].

History & Etymology of Negate

The word negate originates from the root word neg, Latin for denying or refusing something.

The word negate comes from the Latin word negare and negat, used in the 17th century to mean “deny or cancel.” The Latin word negacioun also referred to an act of refusal as early as the 15th century. This word also traces roots in the Old French word negation in the 12th century as a word meaning “no.”

When Was Negate First Used?

The first recorded use of the word negate was in 1623, which had its definition as the denial of the existence of something or someone.

Note that parent words in Latin and Old French first meant the act of denying or refusing. These meanings are still in use today.

Conclusion

The best words are effective when conveying what you feel. Despite their value, words can only be helpful to you when used as they should be. Now that you’re familiar with the word negate and its meanings, make sure you keep practicing to perfect your grammar.