positive

[ˈpɑzətɪv]

positive Definition

• 1. expressing or implying the presence of something rather than its absence
• 2. confident in opinion or assertion; fully assured
• 3. consisting in or characterized by the presence or possession of features or qualities rather than their absence

Using positive: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "positive" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  She has a positive attitude towards life.

• Example

  The test result came back positive for COVID-19.

• Example

  He gave a positive identification of the suspect.

• Example

  The company has seen a positive growth in profits this year.

• Example

  Positive feedback from customers is always encouraging.

positive Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for positive

• optimistic
• confident
• certain
• definite
• constructive

Antonyms for positive

• negative
• pessimistic
• uncertain
• indefinite
• destructive

Idioms Using positive

• test positive (for something)

  to have a medical test show that one has a particular disease or condition

  Example

  He tested positive for drugs and was immediately suspended from the team.

• look on the positive side

  to focus on the good aspects of a situation rather than the bad

  Example

  Even though she lost her job, she tried to look on the positive side and saw it as an opportunity to pursue a new career.

• be positive about something

  to be optimistic or confident about something

  Example

  I'm positive that we can finish the project on time if we work together.

Phrases with positive

• positive reinforcement

  the process of encouraging or establishing a pattern of behavior by offering rewards or praise for positive actions or outcomes

  Example

  Positive reinforcement is often used in child-rearing to encourage good behavior.

• positive thinking

  the practice of focusing on the good aspects of a situation and expecting positive outcomes

  Example

  Positive thinking can help reduce stress and improve mental health.

• positive feedback loop

  a self-reinforcing cycle in which a change in one direction leads to further changes in the same direction

  Example

  A positive feedback loop can lead to exponential growth or collapse.

Origins of positive

from Old French 'positif' and Latin 'positivus', meaning 'placed, settled'

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Summary: positive in Brief

The term 'positive' [ˈpɑzətɪv] refers to the presence or possession of something, often with confidence or assurance. It can describe attitudes, results, or feedback, as in 'She has a positive attitude towards life,' 'The test result came back positive for COVID-19,' and 'Positive feedback from customers is always encouraging.' Phrases like 'positive reinforcement' and idioms like 'look on the positive side' denote a focus on the good aspects of a situation. 'Positive' is formal and synonymous with 'optimistic' and 'confident.'