What is positive? How to use in English

Definition & pronunciation of positive

positiveadjective
khả quan, rõ ràng, tích cực, lạc quan
/ˈpɒzɪtɪv/

Definition & pronunciation of <b>positive</b>

Where does the word positive come from?

late Middle English: from Old French positif, -ive or Latin positivus, from posit- ‘placed’, from the verb ponere. The original sense referred to laws as being formally ‘laid down’, which gave rise to the sense ‘explicitly laid down and admitting no question’, hence ‘certain’

Vocabulary summary positive

type adjective

meaning authentic, clear

example a positive proof

meaning resolute, affirmative, certain

example to be positive about something

example a positive answer

meaning positive

example a positive factor

type noun

meaning authentic thing, real thing

example a positive proof

meaning (photography) positive

example to be positive about something

example a positive answer

meaning (linguistics) infinitive (of adjectives, adverbs); infinitive adjective, infinitive adverb (not comparative)

example a positive factor

Example of vocabulary positiveeffective/useful

good or useful

The tests have so far yielded positive results.
The contributions have a positive impact on the lives of hundreds of children.
Overseas investment has had a positive effect on exports.
His family have been a very positive influence on him.
The only positive outcome of that day was that our country came together.

expressing agreement or support

It's always nice to get positive feedback.
We've had a very positive response to the idea.
The company expects a positive reaction to these new products.
There were some overwhelmingly positive reviews.
I should probably say something positive.

directed at dealing with something or producing a successful result

We must take positive steps to deal with the problem.
In the last few years, positive changes have been made.
It will require positive action by all in the industry.

Example of vocabulary positiveconfident

thinking about what is good in a situation; feeling confident and sure that something good will happen

a positive attitude/outlook
the power of positive thinking
She tried to be more positive about her new job.
On the positive side, profits have increased.
The report ended on a positive note.

Example of vocabulary positivescientific test

showing clear evidence that a particular substance or medical condition is present

a positive pregnancy test
The athlete tested positive for steroids.
If your test results are positive, it means that blood was detected.
to be HIV positive
The test proved positive.

Example of vocabulary positivesure/definite

completely sure that something is correct or true

I can't be positive about what time it happened.
She was positive that he had been there.
I'm absolutely positive it was him.
‘Are you sure?’ ‘Positive.’

giving clear and definite proof or information

The results show a positive correlation between exercise and self-esteem.
We have no positive evidence that she was involved.
This is proof positive that he stole the money.

complete and definite

He has a positive genius for upsetting people.
It was a positive miracle that we survived.

Example of vocabulary positivegrammar

expressing something that is true, did happen, etc.; not containing words such as ‘no’, ‘not’, ‘never’, etc.

A positive statement has a negative question tag.

Example of vocabulary positivenumber/quantity

greater than zero

Example of vocabulary positiveelectricity

containing or producing the type of electricity that is carried by a proton

a positive charge
the positive terminal of a battery

Synonyms and related words for positive

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