negativism

neg·a·tiv·ism  (ng-t-vzm)

n.

1. A habitual attitude of skepticism or resistance to the suggestions, orders, or instructions of others.

2. Behavior characterized by persistent refusal, without apparent or logical reasons, to act on or carry out suggestions, orders, or instructions of others.

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nega·tiv·ist n.

nega·tiv·istic adj.

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negativism [ˈnɛgətɪvˌɪzəm]

n

1. a tendency to be or a state of being unconstructively critical

2. (Philosophy) any sceptical or derisive system of thought

3. (Psychiatry) Psychiatry refusal to do what is expected or suggested or the tendency to do the opposite

negativist  n & adj

negativistic  adj

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negativism

1. an attitude characterized by an unwillingness to follow suggestions or orders, as in children.
2. a pessimistic approach to life. See also philosophy. — negativist, n., adj., — negativistic, adj.

See also: Attitudes

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any system of thought opposed to positivism; doctrines based upon doubt and skepticism. — negativist, n., adj. — negativistic, adj.

See also: Philosophy

Thesaurus

Noun

1.

negativism - characterized by habitual skepticism and a disagreeable tendency to deny or oppose or resist suggestions or commands negativeness, negativity quality - an essential and distinguishing attribute of something or someone; "the quality of mercy is not strained"--Shakespeare