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

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.