positive
noun
- 1
A thing capable of being affirmed; something real or actual.
- 2
A favourable point or characteristic.
- 3
Something having a positive value in physics, such as an electric charge.
- 4
(grammar) A degree of comparison of adjectives and adverbs.
- 5
(grammar) An adjective or adverb in the positive degree.
- 6
A positive image; one that displays true colors and shades, as opposed to a negative.
- 7
The positive plate of a voltaic or electrolytic cell.
- 8
A positive result of a test.
adjective
- 1
Not negative or neutral.
- 2
Formally laid down.
- 3
Stated definitively and without qualification.
- 4
Fully assured in opinion.
“I’m absolutely positive you've spelt that wrong.”
- 5
Of number, greater than zero.
- 6
Characterized by constructiveness or influence for the better.
- 7
Overconfident, dogmatic.
- 8
Actual, real, concrete, not theoretical or speculative.
- 9
Having more protons than electrons.
- 10
(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’.”
- 11
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.”
- 12
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.”
- 13
Characterized by the presence of features which support a hypothesis.
“The results of our experiment are positive.”
- 14
Of a visual image, true to the original in light, shade and colour values.
“A positive photograph can be developed from a photographic negative.”
- 15
Favorable, desirable by those interested or invested in that which is being judged.
“The first-night reviews were largely positive.”
- 16
Wholly what is expressed; colloquially downright, entire, outright.
“Good lord, you've built up a positive arsenal of weaponry here.”
- 17
Optimistic.
“He has a positive outlook on life.”
- 18
Electropositive
- 19
Basic; metallic; not acid; opposed to negative, and said of metals, bases, and basic radicals.
- 20
HIV positive.
- 21
(New Age jargon) Good, desirable, healthful, pleasant, enjoyable; (often precedes 'energy', 'thought', 'feeling' or 'emotion').
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