English Reference
adverb

positively

adv.
US /ˈpɑzətɪvɫi/ UK /pˈɒzɪtˌɪvli/ pos·i·tive·ly

  1. 01 B1 Intermediate

    in a way that shows you are hopeful, confident, or thinking about the good parts of a situation.

    in a manner expressing optimism, confidence, or constructive intent.

    Simple

    The manager spoke positively about the team's progress during the meeting.

    In context

    The board responded positively to the restructuring proposal, noting that the projected efficiency gains outweighed the initial implementation costs.

    optimisticallyconstructivelyfavourably
    negativelypessimistically
  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate

    used to emphasize that something is completely true or very impressive.

    used as an intensifier to express absolute certainty or to emphasize the degree of a quality.

    Simple

    The view from the top of the mountain was positively breathtaking.

    In context

    The atmosphere in the stadium was positively electric as the home team scored the winning goal in the final seconds of the match.

  3. 03 C1 Advanced TechnicalFormal Science

    in a way that is proven by facts or tests.

    with absolute certainty or through empirical evidence; often used in technical or legal contexts to indicate a confirmed result.

    Simple

    The lab results positively identified the chemical as a harmless cleaning fluid.

    In context

    The forensic evidence positively linked the suspect to the scene, leaving little room for the defence to argue otherwise.

Usage assign positively · positively affect · positively associate


From Middle English positively, equivalent to positive + -ly.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin Middle English positively
Level B1 · Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated