positive

[[t]pɒ̱zɪtɪv[/t]]

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1) ADJ-GRADED: usu v-link ADJ, oft ADJ about n If you are positive about things, you are hopeful and confident, and think of the good aspects of a situation rather than the bad ones.

Be positive about your future and get on with living a normal life...

Her husband became much more positive and was soon back in full-time employment.

...a positive frame of mind.

Syn:

optimistic

Ant:

negative

Derived words:

positively ADV-GRADED ADV after v

You really must try to start thinking positively.

2) ADJ-GRADED: usu ADJ n A positive fact, situation, or experience is pleasant and helpful to you in some way.

The parting from his sister had a positive effect on John...

Working abroad should be an exciting and positive experience for all concerned.

Syn:

constructive

Ant:

negative

N-SING: the N

The positive in a situation is the good and pleasant aspects of it.

Work on the positive, creating beautiful, loving and fulfilling relationships.

3) ADJ-GRADED: usu ADJ n If you make a positive decision or take positive action, you do something definite in order to deal with a task or problem.

There are positive changes that should be implemented in the rearing of animals...

He was expected to make a very positive contribution to the 1996 Games organisation...

Having a good diet gives me a sense that I'm doing something positive and that I'm in control.

Ant:

negative

4) ADJ-GRADED: usu ADJ n A positive response to something indicates agreement, approval, or encouragement.

There's been a positive response to the UN Secretary-General's recent peace efforts.

Ant:

negative

Derived words:

positively ADV ADV after v

He responded positively and accepted the fee of ₤1000 I had offered.

5) ADJ-GRADED: v-link ADJ If you are positive about something, you are completely sure about it.

I'm as positive as I can be about it...

`She's never late. You sure she said eight?' - `Positive.'

Syn:

certain

6) ADJ: ADJ n Positive evidence gives definite proof of the truth or identity of something.

There was no positive evidence that any birth defects had arisen as a result of Vitamin A intake.

Syn:

conclusive

Derived words:

positively ADV ADV with v

He has positively identified the body as that of his wife.

7) ADJ If a medical or scientific test is positive, it shows that something has happened or is present.

HIV positive → see HIV

If the test is positive, a course of antibiotics may be prescribed...

He was stripped of his Olympic Hundred Metres gold medal after testing positive for steroids.

Ant:

negative

8) ADJ: ADJ n (emphasis) You can use positive to emphasize a noun. [OLD-FASHIONED]

→ See also positively

Good day to you, Bernard! It's a positive delight to see you...

He was in a positive fury...

The man was being a positive embarrassment.

Syn:

real

9) ADJ: ADJ n A positive number is greater than zero.

It's really a simple numbers game with negative and positive numbers.

Ant:

negative

10) ADJ: usu ADJ n If something has a positive electrical charge, it has the same charge as a proton and the opposite charge to an electron. [TECHNICAL]

Ant:

negative

Derived words:

positively ADV ADV adj

The atom was pictured as a small positively charged core or nucleus.

11) proof positive → see proof