POSITIVE

adj. 1 sure, certain, definite, unequivocal, categorical, absolute, unqualified, unambiguous, unmistakable or unmistakeable, clear-cut, clear, explicit, express, decisive, indisputable, indubitable, unquestionable, unquestioned, incontestable, uncontested, undeniable, reliable, persuasive, convincing, irrefutable The police have positive evidence that the men are innocent of any crime Spending this evening with you has been a positive delight. 2 definitive, emphatic, decided, forceful, firm, peremptory, definite He gave a positive denial when asked if he had agreed to let the hostages go She made a positive commitment to meet me here at noon. 3 sure, certain, confident, convinced, satisfied Are you positive that the last train is at midnight? 4 beneficial, favourable, complimentary, productive, useful I heard many positive things about the way she handled herself at the interview 5 overconfident, dogmatic, doctrinaire, pontifical, opinionated, pigheaded, stubborn, obstinate, obdurate, arbitrary, overweening, arrogant, assertive, dictatorial, despotic, imperious, Rare thetic(al) His problem is that he is quite positive about things that simply are not so 6 practical, realistic, utilitarian, productive, functional, pragmatic(al), realistic, matter-of-fact, Colloq hard-nosed They have taken a positive approach to studying the economics of small businesses 7 encouraging, supportive, constructive, reassuring, enthusiastic, favourable, affirmative, yes, confirming Our plan to buy out the company has received a positive reaction from our bankers Asked if they would buy our product, businessmen gave a positive response. 8 auspicious, promising, propitious, encouraging; optimistic, favourable, cheerful, confident; Colloq bullish, upbeat In the long run, the picture for home-owners looks positive It pays to maintain a positive outlook and not get depressed. 9 complete, utter, total, perfect, out-and-out, consummate, unmitigated, thorough, thoroughgoing; egregious, glaring, stark, sheer, outright, unqualified, unequivocal You were a positive idiot not to let me know you needed help All attempts at reconciliation ended in positive disaster.