ENGLISH
REFERENCE

positively

adv.
US //ˈpɑzətɪvɫi// UK //pˈɒzɪtˌɪvli// pos·i·tive·ly
  1. 1 in a hopeful way (adv.)
    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.

    Example

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

    Example

    The board responded positively to the restructuring proposal, noting that the projected efficiency gains outweighed the initial implementation costs.
  2. 2 absolutely or definitely (adv.)
    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.

    Example

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

    Example

    The atmosphere in the stadium was positively electric as the home team scored the winning goal in the final seconds of the match.
Show 1 more senseShow fewer
  1. 3 with scientific certainty (adv.)
    C1 Advanced Technical Formal 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.

    Example

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

    Example

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

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

© 2026 English Reference