negatory

[ neg-uh-tawr-ee, -tohr-ee ]

/ ˈnɛg əˌtɔr i, -ˌtoʊr i /

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adjective

marked by negation; denying; negative.

QUIZ

WILL YOU SAIL OR STUMBLE ON THESE GRAMMAR QUESTIONS?

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Question 1 of 7

Fill in the blank: I can’t figure out _____ gave me this gift.

Origin of negatory

From the Late Latin word negātōrius, dating back to 1570–80. See negate, -tory¹

Commissioners arch their eyebrows, with negatory sniff: who is this young gentleman with more wit than we all?
The French Revolution|Thomas Carlyle
For example, he should never be content with mere aggressive and negatory criticism of the page before him.
Critical Miscellanies (Vol. 3 of 3)|John Morley
I sometimes dream of a better world, where pipe, pouch, and matches all keep together instead of being mutually negatory.
Certain Personal Matters|H. G. Wells
Dane made a negatory gesture, but Ormond anticipated his answer.
The League of the Leopard|Harold Bindloss

A quiet smile with a negatory shake of the head was the only answer.
Argentina From A British Point Of View|Various