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positive

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adjective British English pronunciation: positive /ˈpɒzətɪv/
 
  1. 1
    [never before noun] completely certain
    positive (that):

    Are you positive that there’s been no mistake?

    positive about/of:

    We’d met before – I was positive about that.

    We’ll make money from this deal – I’m positive of that.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  positiveThesaurus entry for this meaning of positive
  2. 2
    believing that good things will happen or that a situation will get better

    a positive attitude

    Try to think positive thoughts.

    positive about:

    You have every reason to be positive about the future.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  positiveThesaurus entry for this meaning of positive
  3. 3
    showing agreement or approval

    The experiment is working well and feedback is very positive.

    We couldn’t be sure if her reaction would be positive.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  positiveThesaurus entry for this meaning of positive
  4. 4
    a positive experience, situation, result etc is a good one

    School was a totally positive experience for me.

    The positive aspects of parenthood are rarely written about.

    a positive result/outcome:

    An initiative to help homeless people is showing positive results.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  positiveThesaurus entry for this meaning of positive
    1. a.
      used about someone or something that encourages positive behaviour, attitudes etc

      a positive role model

      Students learn better in this positive environment.

      Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  positiveThesaurus entry for this meaning of positive
  5. 5
    informal used for emphasizing how true, important etc something is

    The whole thing was a positive embarrassment.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  positiveThesaurus entry for this meaning of positive
  7. 7
    showing that a situation is likely to improve

    The indications are positive that this year’s festival will be a success.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  positiveThesaurus entry for this meaning of positive
  8. 8
    a positive result in a medical test means that the person has the disease or condition that was tested for

    a positive diagnosis

    test positive (for something):

    The runner was suspended for two years after he tested positive for drugs.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  positiveThesaurus entry for this meaning of positive

This is the British English definition of positive. View American English definition of positive.

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