Positive

/ˈpɒzɪtɪv/

Meaning & Definition

noun
a person or thing with positive attributes or qualities.
She is a positive in our community, always helping others.
a situation or condition that is favorable or beneficial.
Looking for the positives in every situation can help improve your outlook.
adjective
expressing or containing affirmation or adherence to a particular idea or opinion.
She has a positive attitude towards life.
characterized by the presence of features that are beneficial or advantageous.
The team's positive performance led them to victory.
indicating the presence of a particular substance or condition, especially in a medical test.
The test results came back positive for the virus.
good or desirable in nature; not bad.
The feedback from the clients was positive and encouraging.
greater than zero; a positive number.
The bank account balance is positive after the recent deposit.
adverb
in a positive manner; affirmatively.
He responded positively to the proposal.

Etymology

From Middle French 'positif', from Latin 'positivus', from 'ponere' meaning 'to place'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

positive thinking:
The practice of focusing on the good in any given situation.
positive reinforcement:
Encouraging desired behavior by rewards or praise.
stay positive:
To maintain an optimistic mindset during difficult times.

Related Words

Slang Meanings

Feeling good or upbeat.
I'm feeling super positive today!
A term used to describe something awesome or excellent.
That concert was totally positive!