/ ˈpɒzətɪv; NAmE ˈpɑːz-/ adjective , noun
■ adjective
CONFIDENT
1.
positive (about sth) thinking about what is good in a situation; feeling confident and sure that sth good will happen :
a positive attitude / outlook
the power of positive thought
She tried to be more positive about her new job.
On the positive side , profits have increased.
The report ended on a positive note.
OPP negative
EFFECTIVE / USEFUL
2.
directed at dealing with sth or producing a successful result :
We must take positive steps to deal with the problem.
It will require positive action by all in the industry.
OPP negative
3.
expressing agreement or support :
We've had a very positive response to the idea.
OPP negative
4.
good or useful :
to make a positive contribution to a discussion
His family have been a very positive influence on him.
Overseas investment has had a positive effect on exports.
OPP negative
SURE / DEFINITE
5.
[ not before noun ] positive (about sth) | positive (that ... ) ( of a person ) completely sure that sth is correct or true :
I can't be positive about what time it happened.
She was positive that he had been there.
'Are you sure?' 'Positive.'
➡ note at sure
6.
[ only before noun ] ( informal ) complete and definite
SYN absolute :
He has a positive genius for upsetting people.
It was a positive miracle that we survived.
7.
giving clear and definite proof or information
SYN conclusive :
We have no positive evidence that she was involved.
( formal )
This is proof positive that he stole the money.
SCIENTIFIC TEST
8.
showing clear evidence that a particular substance or medical condition is present :
a positive pregnancy test
The athlete tested positive for steroids.
to be HIV positive
OPP negative
NUMBER / QUANTITY
9.
greater than zero
OPP negative
ELECTRICITY
10.
( technical ) containing or producing the type of electricity that is carried by a proton :
a positive charge
the positive terminal of a battery
OPP negative
■ noun
GOOD QUALITY
1.
[ C , U ] a good or useful quality or aspect :
Take your weaknesses and translate them into positives.
IN PHOTOGRAPHY
2.
[ C ] ( technical ) a developed film showing light and dark areas and colours as they actually were, especially one printed from a negative
RESULT OF TEST
3.
[ C ] the result of a test or an experiment that shows that a substance or condition is present
OPP negative
••
WORD ORIGIN
late Middle English : from Old French positif , -ive or Latin positivus , from posit- placed, from the verb ponere . The original sense referred to laws as being formally laid down , which led to the sense explicitly laid down and admitting no question , hence certain .