Meaning of the word "double negative" in English
What does "double negative" mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.
double negative
US /ˌdʌbl ˈneɡətɪv/
UK /ˌdʌbl ˈneɡətɪv/
Noun
1.
a grammatical construction in which two negative words are used in the same clause, often resulting in a positive meaning or an intensified negative meaning, depending on context and language
Example:
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The sentence "I don't know nothing" is an example of a double negative.
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While common in some dialects, double negatives are generally considered grammatically incorrect in standard English.
Synonym:
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