English

Pronunciation

IPA: / 'pɒ zɪ tɪv /

Hyphenation

po·si·tive

Adjective

positive

1. Definitively laid down; explicitly stated; clearly expressed.

   Positive words, that he would not bear arms against King Edward's son. --Bacon.

2. Occupying a real position, true existence or energy; existing in fact; real; actual.

   She gave a positive response to the question.

   Positive good. --Bacon.

3. Exhibiting the power to direct action or influence for the better.

   antonym: negative

   He has a positive outlook on life.

   a positive voice in legislation. --Swift.

4. Progressing in a circular manner; motion similar to that of a clock.
5. Fully assured; confident; certain; sometimes, overconfident; dogmatic; overbearing; said of persons.

   Some positive, persisting fops we know, That, if once wrong, will needs be always. --Pope.

6. Derived from an object by itself; not dependent on changing circumstances or relations; absolute.

   The idea of beauty is not positive, but depends on the different tastes individuals.

7. Not admitting of any doubt, condition, qualification, or discretion; not dependent on circumstances or probabilities; not speculative; compelling assent or obedience; peremptory; indisputable; decisive.

   positive instructions; positive truth; positive proof

Noun

positive (plural  positives)

1. The indicative degree or form.

   Staphylococcus is a gram-positive bacterium.

2. Capable of being affirmed; reality.
3. That which settles by absolute appointment.
4. A preferred state of being or display
5. Denoting an excess of protons; alkaline; charged. Not negative or neutral.
6. Inherently beneficial.

Translations

• Chinese: 陽
• Finnish: varma (1, 2), positiivinen (4), positiivi (5)

Derivatives

• positive crystal
• positive degree