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.
adj
1 certain
VERBS
be, seem, sound
ADV.
absolutely, quite
I'm absolutely positive it was him.
| fairly
PREP.
about
She seemed fairly positive about it.
| of
Are you positive of your facts?
2 hopeful and confident/encouraging
VERBS
appear, be, feel, seem, sound | remain
ADV.
distinctly, extremely, highly, overwhelmingly, really, very
He took a highly positive view of the matter.
| entirely, wholly | fairly, mildly, moderately, quite | broadly, essentially, generally | apparently, seemingly
PREP.
about
sounding very positive about his chances
3 showing that sth has happened/is present
VERBS
be, prove, test
The test proved positive.
ADV.
strongly, weakly
(both technical)
PREP.
for
He tested positive for HIV.
Random quote: You learn to speak by speaking, to study by studying, to run by running, to work by working; in just the same way, you learn to love by loving.: Anatole France
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