What's the main difference between "affirmative" and "positive?"

Native speaker’s answer

Rebecca

The difference depends on the context! Here, either affirmative or positive could work since grammatically you want a sentence without the negative "not" in it. So "positive" and "affirmative" are used very technically. Generally speaking, "positive" is something that is good, uplifting, or optimistic, and "affirmative" is agreement or consent. However, "affirmative" can also mean something optimistic or encouraging. Ex: This is not a positive or affirmative sentence. Ex: You need to be more positive and less dull and negative about life. Things will become better! Ex: My boss gave the affirmative for this project, so let's do it. Ex: We sent out some affirmative messages to our friends and family, just to lighten their moods.

How do native speakers use this expression?

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Popular Q&As

12/07

1
When could I use "stunning"? also could you give me some synonyms, please?
"Stunning" means beautiful, incredible, gorgeous, or remarkable. You can use stunning when you want to express that someone or something looks beautiful or remarkable. Ex: She looks stunning! Ex: That dress looks absolutely stunning on you. Ex: I want to look stunning for my wedding.

2
How does the meaning change if I say "people dye from ~" instead of "people are dying from"?
First off, it needs to be "die," not "dye." The spelling of the word actually changes the meaning. The difference between "people die from" and "people are dying from" is one is generalized, and one is specific. "People die from" is more generalized; that it's being stated more as a fact instead of a current situation. "People are dying" indicates that people in China are mainly dying of a stroke. This is very specific and is currently happening.

3
What does "wild" mean in this context?
In this context, "wild" is slang that means excellent, special, or unusual. It's similar to the common slang "crazy!" It can also be used as an alternative to "crazy." Ex: It's wild that you're arriving tomorrow. I'm excited to see you! Ex: I didn't know the restaurant fired you. That's wild. What are you going to do now? Ex: Wild! They have the latest phone model here.

4
What's "on our own" mean?
To do something "on one's own" means to do it without help or assistance from anyone else. You do it "by yourself." So "on our own" involves only those people and no one else. Ex: Jack and I will go on our own to the market. Ex: We don't need a professional. We'll paint the house on our own. = We don't need a professional. We'll paint the house ourselves.

5
What does "get caught up in" mean?
To get "caught up" in something in this context means to become so focused on what you're doing or so excited about something that you are oblivious and not paying attention to anything else. Ex: Don't get too caught up on that idea. It might change. Ex: I got so caught up in my homework that I forgot to eat dinner!

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