positive
To be hopeful and confident about a situation, or to think about the good parts rather than the bad. It can also describe a result that shows something is present, such as in a medical test or a scientific study.
Examples
3 of 5I try to have a positive attitude every morning when I wake up.
I try to have a positive attitude every morning when I wake up.
The committee reached a positive conclusion regarding the new proposal.
The committee reached a positive conclusion regarding the new proposal.
Stay positive, I'm sure things will get better soon!
Stay positive, I'm sure things will get better soon!
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of the plus sign (+) in math. It adds value and goes up, just like a positive person’s energy.
Quick Quiz
If you want to be happy, it helps to have a ______ outlook on life.
Correct!
The correct answer is: positive
Examples
I try to have a positive attitude every morning when I wake up.
everydayI try to have a positive attitude every morning when I wake up.
The committee reached a positive conclusion regarding the new proposal.
formalThe committee reached a positive conclusion regarding the new proposal.
Stay positive, I'm sure things will get better soon!
informalStay positive, I'm sure things will get better soon!
The research showed a positive correlation between exercise and mental health.
academicThe research showed a positive correlation between exercise and mental health.
We received positive feedback from our main client about the project.
businessWe received positive feedback from our main client about the project.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
Stay positive
Stay positive
Think positive
Think positive
A positive sign
A positive sign
Often Confused With
Possessive relates to owning things or being jealous, while positive relates to optimism.
While 'positive' can mean 'certain' (e.g., I'm positive), 'definite' is more commonly used for facts that are fixed.
Usage Notes
In addition to meaning 'optimistic', 'positive' is used in medical contexts to mean that a virus or condition was found. It can also mean 'certain' or 'sure' in spoken English.
Common Mistakes
Learners often use the word 'positive' to describe a person who is 'nice,' but it specifically refers to their outlook or the results of an action.
Memory Tip
Think of the plus sign (+) in math. It adds value and goes up, just like a positive person’s energy.
Word Origin
From the Latin 'positivus', meaning 'settled' or 'placed by agreement'.
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
In many Western cultures, 'positive thinking' is a popular concept encouraged in self-help and business for personal success.
Quick Quiz
If you want to be happy, it helps to have a ______ outlook on life.
Correct!
The correct answer is: positive
Related Grammar Rules
Related Phrases
Related Vocabulary
Related Words
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inurbtude
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hypermaterness
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C1To show that someone or something is involved in a crime, a scandal, or an undesirable situation. It can also refer to demonstrating that something is a contributing factor or cause of a specific outcome, typically a negative one.
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