positive
/ˈpɒzɪ̈tɪv/
Dictionary
noun
- A thing capable of being affirmed; something real or actual.
- A favourable point or characteristic.
- Something having a positive value in physics, such as an electric charge.
- (grammar) A degree of comparison of adjectives and adverbs.
- (grammar) An adjective or adverb in the positive degree.
- A positive image; one that displays true colors and shades, as opposed to a negative.
- The positive plate of a voltaic or electrolytic cell.
- A positive result of a test.
adjective
- Not negative or neutral.
- Formally laid down.
- Stated definitively and without qualification.
- Fully assured in opinion.
"I’m absolutely positive you've spelt that wrong."
- Of number, greater than zero.
- Characterized by constructiveness or influence for the better.
- Overconfident, dogmatic.
- Actual, real, concrete, not theoretical or speculative.
- Having more protons than electrons.
- (grammar) Describing the primary sense of an adjective, adverb or noun; not comparative, superlative, augmentative nor diminutive.
"‘Better’ is an irregular comparative of the positive form ‘good’."
- Derived from an object by itself; not dependent on changing circumstances or relations; absolute.
"The idea of beauty is not positive, but depends on the different tastes of individuals."
- Characterized by the existence or presence of distinguishing qualities or features, rather than by their absence.
"The box was not empty – I felt some positive substance within it."
- Characterized by the presence of features which support a hypothesis.
"The results of our experiment are positive."
- Of a visual image, true to the original in light, shade and colour values.
"A positive photograph can be developed from a photographic negative."
- Favorable, desirable by those interested or invested in that which is being judged.
"The first-night reviews were largely positive."
- Wholly what is expressed; colloquially downright, entire, outright.
"Good lord, you've built up a positive arsenal of weaponry here."
- Optimistic.
"He has a positive outlook on life."
- Electropositive
- Basic; metallic; not acid; opposed to negative, and said of metals, bases, and basic radicals.
- HIV positive.
- (New Age jargon) Good, desirable, healthful, pleasant, enjoyable; (often precedes 'energy', 'thought', 'feeling' or 'emotion').
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