Etymology : Middle English, from Middle French positif, from Latin positivus, from positus, past participle of ponere
Pronunciation : 'pä-z&-tiv, 'päz
Function : adjective
Date : 14th century
1. adin a positive manner; favorably, beneficially; certainly, surely; explicitly, clearly. positivelyyou can click anywhere, but just don't click here.positively \pos"i*tive*ly\, adv. in a positive manner; absolutely; really; expressly; with certainty; indubitably; peremptorily; dogmatically; -- opposed to negatively. good and evil which is removed may be esteemed good or evil comparatively, and positively simply. give me some breath, some little pause, my lord, before i positively speak herein. i would ask whether the divine law does not positively require humility and meekness.positively charged or.
2. In a positive manner; absolutely; really; expressly; with certainty; indubitably; peremptorily; dogmatically; opposed to negatively. extremely; "it was positively monumental" so as to be positive; in a positive manner; "she intended her remarks to be interpreted positively".
3. Having a real position, existence, or energy; existing in fact; real; actual; opposed to negative.
4. 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.
5. Definitely laid down; explicitly stated; clearly expressed; opposed to implied; as, a positive declaration or promise.
6. 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.
7. Prescribed by express enactment or institution; settled by arbitrary appointment; said of laws.
8. Fully assured; confident; certain; sometimes, overconfident; dogmatic; overbearing; said of persons.
9. Having the power of direct action or influence; as, a positive voice in legislation.
10. 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.
11. Electro- positive.
12. Hence, basic; metallic; not acid; opposed to negative, and said of metals, bases, and basic radicals.
13. That which is capable of being affirmed; reality.
14. That which settles by absolute appointment.
15. The positive degree or form.
16. A picture in which the lights and shades correspond in position with those of the original, instead of being reversed, as in a negative.
17. The positive plate of a voltaic or electrolytic cell.
18. Designating, or pertaining to, a motion or device in which the movement derived from a driver, or the grip or hold of a restraining piece, is communicated through an unyielding intermediate piece or pieces; as, a claw clutch is a positive clutch, while a friction clutch is not.
19. Designating, or pertaining to, a device giving a to-and-fro motion; as, a positive dobby.
20. Designating a method of steering or turning in which the steering wheels move so that they describe concentric arcs in making a turn, to insure freedom from side slip or harmful resistance. a film showing a photographic image whose tones correspond to those of the original subject formally laid down or imposed; "positive laws" characterized by or displaying affirmation or acceptance or certainty etc.; "a positive attitude"; "the reviews were all positive"; "a positive benefit"; "a positive demand" greater than zero; "positive numbers" indicating existence or presence of a suspected condition or pathogen; "a positive pregnancy test" having a positive electric charge; "protons are positive".
21. 1. emphasis You use positively to emphasize that you really mean what you are saying. This is positively the worst thing that I can even imagine = absolutely.
22. emphasis You use positively to emphasize that something really is the case, although it may sound surprising or extreme. He's changed since he came back -- he seems positively cheerful see also:
positive.