positively
UK: ˈpɒzətɪvli | US: ˈpɑːzətɪvli
adv. in a confident or optimistic manner
adv. with certainty; unequivocally
adv. (colloquial) used to emphasize agreement or approval
The word "positively" derives from the Latin positivus (meaning "settled by agreement" or "definite"), which stems from ponere ("to place"). The root "positive" entered Middle English via Old French, originally denoting certainty in legal or philosophical contexts. The suffix "-ly" (from Old English -līce) transforms adjectives into adverbs, emphasizing manner or degree. Over time, "positively" evolved to express both objective certainty ("The test was positively identified") and subjective emphasis ("That was positively delightful!").
She responded positively to the feedback, eager to improve.
The experiment results were positively correlated with the hypothesis.
"Positively!" he exclaimed, agreeing to the plan without hesitation.
The artist’s work was positively received by critics.
After the treatment, her health improved positively.