General
negative
What does negative mean?
A radio term meaning 'no' — a negative answer, used instead of 'no' to avoid confusion over the radio.
""Do you have eyes on the target? Negative.""
Origin
Standard radiotelephony term chosen for clarity over 'no'.
Frequently asked questions
What does "negative" mean on the radio?
It simply means 'no'. It's used instead of 'no' because the fuller word is harder to mishear or clip over a noisy or weak radio signal.
Why say "negative" instead of just "no"?
A short word like 'no' can be lost to static or sound like other words. 'Negative' is clearer and unmistakable over radio, which is why it's standard in military and aviation comms.
What's the opposite of "negative" on the radio?
'Affirmative' (yes) is the standard opposite, and 'roger' is used to confirm a message was received.
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