Meaning & use
Negativism
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A tendency to be pessimistic, distrustful, or resistant to suggestions and authority, often marked by automatic opposition to what is proposed.
See it in a sentence
The therapist noted a pattern of negativism in the patient's responses to every suggestion.
Constant negativism in the workplace can drain team morale.
A note on using this word
In psychology and psychiatry, 'negativism' specifically describes resistance to instructions or doing the opposite of what is asked, as seen in some behavioral and mental health conditions.
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