Word
positively
Phoneticspos·i·tive·ly, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈpɑzətɪvɫi/
UK/pˈɒzɪtˌɪvli/
Adverb of manner
Definitions
01in a hopeful way
B1 · Intermediate
adv. in a way that shows you are hopeful, confident, or thinking about the good parts of a situation.
adv. in a manner expressing optimism, confidence, or constructive intent.
“The manager spoke positively about the team's progress during the meeting.”
“The board responded positively to the restructuring proposal, noting that the projected efficiency gains outweighed the initial implementation costs.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
02absolutely or definitely
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adv. used to emphasize that something is completely true or very impressive.
adv. used as an intensifier to express absolute certainty or to emphasize the degree of a quality.
“The view from the top of the mountain was positively breathtaking.”
“The atmosphere in the stadium was positively electric as the home team scored the winning goal in the final seconds of the match.”
Synonyms
03with scientific certainty
C1 · Advanced Science Technical · Formal
adv. in a way that is proven by facts or tests.
adv. with absolute certainty or through empirical evidence; often used in technical or legal contexts to indicate a confirmed result.
“The lab results positively identified the chemical as a harmless cleaning fluid.”
“The forensic evidence positively linked the suspect to the scene, leaving little room for the defence to argue otherwise.”
Synonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “positively” in context.
Verb
01. positively affect
“Regular exercise will positively affect your physical and mental health.”
adv + verb
02. positively associate
“Many people positively associate the smell of lavender with relaxation.”
adv + verb
03. positively correlate
“High temperatures often positively correlate with increased ice cream sales.”
adv + verb
04. positively impact
“The new recycling program will positively impact the local environment.”
adv + verb
05. positively influence
“A good teacher can positively influence a student's future career choices.”
adv + verb
06. positively relate
“Success in school is often positively related to the amount of time spent studying.”
adv + verb
07. positively respond
“The patient began to positively respond to the new medical treatment.”
adv + verb
08. assign positively
09. positively skew
10. rejection positively
Etymology
From Middle English positively, equivalent to positive + -ly.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B1 · Intermediate
- Updated
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