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positive

B1
nounadjective

Pronunciation

UK

  • /pˈɒzɪtˌɪv/

US

  • /ˈpɑzətɪv/

Description

"Positive" is a flexible word. Very often, it describes something good, helpful, or hopeful. A person with a positive attitude looks for what can go right instead of focusing only on problems. A positive influence helps people in a healthy or useful way.

It can also mean that something is clearly true or confirmed. A positive identification means there is no doubt about who someone is. In medical testing, a positive result means the thing being tested for was found. In math, a positive number is greater than zero. So, whether you are talking about feelings, facts, or numbers, this word often suggests something good, certain, or confirmed.

Examples

  1. 1

    Attitude

    Try to stay positive, even when the work feels slow.

  2. 2

    Reviews

    The first reviews were very positive.

  3. 3

    Client meeting

    We had a positive meeting with the new client.

  4. 4

    Confidence

    She is positive about the team's chances this year.

    • Pattern

      positive about + situation

      hopeful or confident about it

  5. 5

    Feedback

    The manager gave me some positive feedback on the report.

  6. 6

    Certainty

    I'm positive I left my keys on the kitchen table.

    • Pattern

      positive (that) + statement

      completely sure it is true

  7. 7

    Medical test

    The doctor said the test was positive for flu.

    • Pattern

      positive for + illness

      showing that a test found it

  8. 8

    Test result

    He tested positive for COVID-19 last week.

    • Pattern

      test positive for + illness

      receive a result showing that a test found it

  9. 9

    Good point

    On the positive side, the apartment is close to the station.

    • Phrase

      on the positive side

      used before mentioning a good point

  10. 10

    Mathematics

    In math, five is a positive number, but minus five is negative.

Forms and spellings

2 forms open this card.

Main spelling

  • positivenounadjective

Forms

  • positivespluralnounadjective