Definition

1. Noun:
   • A grammatically substandard but emphatic negative construction: A grammatical structure where two negative elements (e.g., "not" and "never") are used in the same clause to express a single negation, which is considered non-standard in formal English but is used for emphasis in some dialects.
   • An affirmative constructed from two negatives: A rhetorical or logical figure where two negatives are used to produce a positive or affirmative meaning.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The sentence "I don't know nothing" is a classic example of a double negative.
  • In formal writing, you should avoid using a double negative like "I can't hardly wait."
  • The phrase "not unwelcome" is a double negative that results in a weak positive meaning.

Advanced Usage

• Logical double negative: In logic and mathematics, two negatives cancel each other out to create a positive. This principle is sometimes applied in formal English for nuanced meaning.
  • The outcome was not impossible. (This means the outcome was possible.)
• Emphatic double negative in dialects: In various English dialects (e.g., African American Vernacular English, some regional dialects), the double negative is used for emphasis rather than to create a positive.
  • He don't have no money. (Emphatically means "He has no money.")

Variants and Related Words

• Negation (n): The act or instance of denying or making negative.
  • The use of "not" is a form of negation.
• Litotes (n): A figure of speech employing an understatement by using a double negative, often for ironic effect.
  • Saying "not bad" to mean "good" is an example of litotes.

Synonyms

• Emphatic negation (for the non-standard usage).
• Two negatives (a more general, descriptive term).

Related Phrases

• "Can't not": A colloquial double negative used for strong emphasis on obligation or inevitability.
  • I can't not go to the party; it's for my best friend. (This emphatically means "I must go.")

Related Idioms

• "Not un-" construction: A common form of double negative used for understatement or to soften a statement.
  • She was not unhappy with the results. (This means she was somewhat happy or at least not sad.)

Noun

1. a grammatically substandard but emphatic negative
   • I don't never go
2. an affirmative constructed from two negatives
   • A not unwelcome outcome