in the negative 1. 否定的(地)；否认的(地) answer in the negative 作否定的回答 The answer to their request was in the negative. 他们的要求遭到拒绝。 2. 反对的(地)；从反面；支持反面意见的(地) The vote was in the negative. 投票的结果是否决。 argue in the negative 从反面争辩 The decision was made in the negative. 作出的决议支持反对派的意见。