positive

pos-i-tive · adjective

imported

Definitions

adjective

  1. 1.

    Consisting in or characterized by the presence rather than absence of features.

  2. 2.

    Expressing or implying affirmation or agreement.

  3. 3.

    Optimistic and confident.

  4. 4.

    Certain; absolutely sure.

  5. 5.

    (Of a number or quantity) Greater than zero.

  6. 6.

    (Medical) Showing the presence of a particular condition or substance.

  7. 7.

    (Electricity) Having a charge resulting from a deficiency of electrons.

  8. 8.

    A good or useful quality or aspect.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    positive thinking — The practice of being optimistic.
  • •
    positive feedback — Encouraging response; (technical) reinforcing signal.
  • •
    test positive — Have a medical test indicate a condition.
  • •
    on the positive side — Considering the good aspects.
  • •
    false positive — An incorrect positive test result.

Related words

Antonyms: negative, pessimistic, uncertain
See also: affirmative, certain, negative, optimistic
Synonyms: affirmative, certain, constructive, optimistic

Etymology

From Old French positif, from Latin positivus ("settled by agreement, positive"), from ponere ("to put, place").