positive
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /pˈɒzɪtˌɪv/
US
- /ˈpɑzətɪv/
Description
- Good
- Hopeful
- Confirming
- Certain
- Above zero
"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.
The word "positive" has several common meanings, and the exact one depends on the situation. In everyday language, it often describes something good, useful, or encouraging. A positive experience leaves you feeling satisfied. A positive influence helps people grow or make better choices. A positive attitude means facing life with hope and looking for what can go right.
It can also mean "yes," "agreeing," or "showing that something is true." If someone gives a positive answer, they are saying yes. If the police make a positive identification, they are fully sure who the person is. In tests and reports, the word often means that something was found or confirmed. For example, a positive test result means the substance, condition, or sign being checked for is present.
The word is also important in math and science. A positive number is greater than zero. In electricity, a positive charge is the opposite of a negative charge. In these fields, the meaning is technical, but the idea is still clear and direct.
So this word can describe a cheerful outlook, a helpful effect, a clear confirmation, or a number above zero. It is a common English word with both emotional and technical uses, and in most cases it points to something favorable, certain, or present.
Examples
- 1
Attitude
Try to stay positive, even when the work feels slow.
- 2
Reviews
The first reviews were very positive.
- 3
Client meeting
We had a positive meeting with the new client.
- 4
Confidence
She is positive about the team's chances this year.
Pattern
positive about + situation
hopeful or confident about it
- 5
Feedback
The manager gave me some positive feedback on the report.
- 6
Certainty
I'm positive I left my keys on the kitchen table.
Pattern
positive (that) + statement
completely sure it is true
- 7
Medical test
The doctor said the test was positive for flu.
Pattern
positive for + illness
showing that a test found it
- 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
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
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