Meaning of positive in English

Table of contents
  1. Pronunciation
  2. Classifying Adjective
    1. Definitions
  3. Noun
    1. Definitions
  4. Qualitative Adjective
    1. Etymology
    2. Definitions

  1. Pronunciation

    /ˈpɑzədɪv/

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    UK accent

  1. Classifying Adjective

    positive

    Definitions

    1. involving advantage or good

    Examples

    • « a plus (or positive) factor »

    Synonyms

  2. 2. formally laid down or imposed

    Examples

    • « positive laws »

    Synonyms

  3. 3. impossible to deny or disprove

    Examples

    • « incontrovertible proof of the defendant's innocence »
    • « proof positive »
    • « an irrefutable argument »

    Synonyms

  4. 4. greater than zero

    Examples

    • « positive numbers »

    Synonyms

  5. 5. marked by excessive confidence

    Examples

    • « an arrogant and cocksure materialist »
    • « so overconfident and impudent as to speak to the queen »
    • « the less he knows the more positive he gets »

    Synonyms

  6. 6. granting what has been desired or requested

    Examples

    • « a favorable reply »
    • « a positive answer »

    Synonyms

  7. Noun

    positive

    Definitions

    1. a film showing a photographic image whose tones correspond to those of the original subject

  8. Qualitative Adjective

    positive

    Etymology

    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’

    Definitions

    1. characterized by or displaying affirmation or acceptance or certainty etc.

    Examples

    • « a positive attitude »
    • « the reviews were all positive »
    • « a positive benefit »
    • « a positive demand »

    Synonyms

    Antonyms

  9. 2. having a positive electric charge

    Examples

    • « protons are positive »

    Antonyms

  10. 3. indicating existence or presence of a suspected condition or pathogen

    Examples

    • « a positive pregnancy test »

    Antonyms

  11. 4. of or relating to positivism

    Examples

    • « positivist thinkers »
    • « positivist doctrine »
    • « positive philosophy »

Famous quotes

  • « I'm out there arguing the Labor case. I will do it anywhere and everywhere that I can. I do it within various communities across Australia where I am able to make a positive contribution. And let me tell you, my voice won't be silenced in the public debate because the issue at stake for Australia are so stark. »
    Kevin Rudd
  • « How much do you as a consumer value a positive experience with a brand or its customer service department? How willing are you to share that with your friends? How inclined are you to let that person know that you're interaction with them was positive? »
    Simon Mainwaring
  • « I feel blessed to be here representing our country and carrying out th research of scientists around the world... I hope you could feel the positive energy that beamed to the whole planet as we glided over. »
    Laurel Clark
  • « I will end up with someone in the arts. I am positive. I eat, breathe and sleep acting. And I'll end up with someone who is happy staying at home and having me cook supper. But I also really need to be intellectually challenged and stimulated. I want someone bookish, and someone who is passionate. »
    Ginnifer Goodwin
  • « My biggest problem will be lack of match toughness but I am a positive, optimistic person. »
    Greg Rusedski

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