positive
UK: ˈpɒzətɪv | US: ˈpɑːzətɪv
adj. expressing certainty or affirmation
adj. constructive, optimistic, or focused on good outcomes
adj. (science) having a presence or quantity of something (e.g., positive charge)
n. a photographic image showing true colors or tones
positive = pos<place> + itive<adjective suffix>
- pos<place>: From Latin ponere (to place, put), via Old French positif. Implies something "placed" or asserted firmly.
- itive<adjective suffix>: Latin -itivus, forming adjectives indicating a state or tendency.
Etymology Origin:
The word traces back to Latin positivus (settled by agreement, definite), derived from ponere. Originally used in logic/philosophy to denote statements asserting facts (e.g., "positively true"). Over time, it expanded to sciences (e.g., "positive results") and attitudes ("positive thinking"), reflecting certainty and constructive qualities.
She gave a positive response to the proposal.
Staying positive helps overcome challenges.
The test came back positive for antibodies.
In photography, a positive displays the actual image.
His positive attitude inspired the team.