positive

Speech parts

1. positive - Noun

2. positive - Adjective

3. positive - Adjective Satellite

Meaning

Having a real position, existence, or energy; existing in fact; real; actual; -- opposed to negative.

Derived from an object by itself; not dependent on changing circumstances or relations; absolute; -- opposed to relative; as, the idea of beauty is not positive, but depends on the different tastes individuals.

Definitely laid down; explicitly stated; clearly expressed; -- opposed to implied; as, a positive declaration or promise.

Hence: Not admitting of any doubt, condition, qualification, or discretion; not dependent on circumstances or probabilities; not speculative; compelling assent or obedience; peremptory; indisputable; decisive; as, positive instructions; positive truth; positive proof.

Prescribed by express enactment or institution; settled by arbitrary appointment; said of laws.

Fully assured; confident; certain; sometimes, overconfident; dogmatic; overbearing; -- said of persons.

Having the power of direct action or influence; as, a positive voice in legislation.

Corresponding with the original in respect to the position of lights and shades, instead of having the lights and shades reversed; as, a positive picture.

Electro-positive.

Hence, basic; metallic; not acid; -- opposed to negative, and said of metals, bases, and basic radicals.

That which is capable of being affirmed; reality.

That which settles by absolute appointment.

The positive degree or form.

A picture in which the lights and shades correspond in position with those of the original, instead of being reversed, as in a negative.

Source: Webster's dictionary

Synonyms

plus confident confirming certain good clear convinced favorable encouraging beneficial assured optimistic constructive affirmative cheerful
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Antonyms

negative gray not infra down blue
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Hypernyms

film adjective adverb photographic film

Phrases with the word

I am HIV positive positive result positive outcome be positive positive sign positive change

Examples

The most positive men are the most credulous. Alexander Pope

The way positive reinforcement is carried out is more important than the amount. B. F. Skinner

Most of the luxuries and many of the so-called comforts of life are not only not indispensable, but positive hindrances to the elevation of mankind. Henry David Thoreau

Injustice, poverty, slavery, ignorance - these may be cured by reform or revolution. But men do not live only by fighting evils. They live by positive goals, individual and collective, a vast variety of them, seldom predictable, at times incompatible. Isaiah Berlin

When I examine myself and my methods of thought, I come to the conclusion that the gift of fantasy has meant more to me than any talent for abstract, positive knowledge. Albert Einstein

An uncalled-for defence becomes a positive accusation. Latin Proverb

Close letter words and terms

positionless positionlessness positiv organ positive acceleration positive action positive actions toward masculinity