否定 (fǒudìng) — to negate; negation

否定 (fǒudìng)

否定 means to deny, negate, or refute something, and also functions as an adjective meaning "negative" (as opposed to affirmative). It is a key term in logic, debate, and critical discussion.

Meanings

1. [verb] to negate; to deny; to refute; to reject
2. [adjective] negative (in logic or grammar); denying

Example Sentences

他的观点遭到了与会者的否定。 Tā de guāndiǎn zāodàole yùhuì zhě de fǒudìng. His viewpoint was rejected by the participants at the meeting.

我们不能全盘否定过去的经验。 Wǒmen bù néng quánpán fǒudìng guòqù de jīngyàn. We cannot completely negate the experiences of the past.

这一证据否定了之前的所有假设。 Zhè yī zhèngjù fǒudìngle zhīqián de suǒyǒu jiǎshè. This evidence negated all the previous hypotheses.

持否定态度的人认为这个计划不可行。 Chí fǒudìng tàidù de rén rènwéi zhège jìhuà bùkěxíng. Those with a negative attitude believe the plan is not feasible.

语言学中，否定句的结构因语言而异。 Yǔyánxué zhōng, fǒudìng jù de jiégòu yīn yǔyán ér yì. In linguistics, the structure of negative sentences varies by language.

新的研究结果否定了该理论的核心假设。 Xīn de yánjiū jiéguǒ fǒudìngle gāi lǐlùn de héxīn jiǎshè. The new research results negated the core assumptions of the theory.

Collocations

Usage Notes

否定 is the formal counterpart to the everyday negation particles 不 and 没. As a verb, it means to formally reject or refute a claim, idea, or achievement. As an adjective, it describes things that are negative in nature (否定句 = negative sentence). It contrasts directly with 肯定 (kěndìng), meaning "to affirm" or "affirmative."

全盘否定 (to negate wholesale) is an important idiomatic expression, often used when warning against dismissing something entirely. At B2, learners should practice using 否定 in formal argumentative contexts.

Memory Hook

FOU (否, no/not) + DING (定, to settle/decide) = to decisively say "no" and settle the matter as negative.