Definition of the word double negative

The phrase "double negative" refers to the use of two words or phrases with negative connotations in a single sentence, resulting in a paradoxical or seemingly contradictory meaning. For example, the statement "I don't know nothing" is a double negative as it contradicts the intended meaning of "I don't know anything." The term "double negative" derives from the grammatical concept of the negative, which is a grammatical feature that expresses the idea of negation or absence. In many languages, such as English, the negative is usually signaled by the use of words like "not" or "no." When two negatives are used in a sentence, they can produce an ambiguous or counterintuitive result, as in the case of the example given above. The use of double negatives can be traced back to ancient Greek and Latin languages, where the prevalence of the negative played a prominent role in grammar. The phrase "double negative" appears to have first been coined by the English grammarian, Robert Lowth, in the mid-18th century. However, it was not until the early 20th century that the use of double negatives began to be discouraged in standard English, as it was seen as a grammatical error that could lead to misunderstanding. Nevertheless, double negatives remain a feature of some dialects and colloquial forms of English, particularly in African American English and other non-standard varieties.