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positive

n. countable
A1 Beginner Oxford US //ˈpɑzətɪv// UK //pˈɒzɪtˌɪv// pos·i·tive Academic General-service Slang Technical

n. a good or helpful quality in a person, thing, or situation. You use this when you want to focus on the benefits instead of the problems.

n. a constructive or beneficial quality, attribute, or aspect of a situation. Often used in the plural to contrast with negative factors.


SIMPLE

We should focus on the positives of the new plan.

CONTEXTUAL

Despite the long hours, the high salary and the travel opportunities are major positives of the job.

COMPLEX

The committee spent the afternoon weighing the potential positives of the merger against the significant risks to the company's long-term stability.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Origin

From Old French positif, from Latin positivus, from the past participle stem of ponere (“to place”). Compare posit.

Usage

Commonly used in the plural form 'positives' when evaluating a situation or performance.

Idioms1 entry

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