■ adjective
1》 consisting in or characterized by the presence rather than the absence of something.
↘expressing or implying affirmation, agreement, or permission.
↘[often in combination ] having a specified substance or condition: HIV-~.
2》 constructive, optimistic, or confident.
3》 with no possibility of doubt; certain.
4》 (of a quantity) greater than zero.
5》 containing, producing, or denoting the kind of electric charge opposite to that carried by electrons.
6》 (of a photographic image) showing light and shade or colours true to the original.
7》 Grammar (of an adjective or adverb) expressing a quality in its basic, primary degree. Contrasted with comparative and superlative .
8》 chiefly Philosophy dealing only with matters of fact and experience. See also positivism (sense 1).
■ noun
1》 a desirable quality or attribute.
2》 a ~ photographic image, especially one printed from a negative.
Derivatives
~ness noun
positivity noun
Origin
ME (orig. referring to laws as being formally 'laid down'): from OFr. positif , -ive or L. positivus , from posit- , ponere 'place'.