# positively

/ˈpɑzətɪvɫi/ (US) · /pˈɒzɪtˌɪvli/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/positively
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. in a hopeful way

adverb · CEFR B1

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

For teachers: 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.

### 2. absolutely or definitely

adverb · CEFR B2

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

For teachers: 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.

### 3. with scientific certainty

adverb · CEFR C1 · Technical · Formal

in a way that is proven by facts or tests.

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- She smiled positively at the new suggestion.
- The team responded positively to the feedback and immediately began making the requested changes to the design.
- The results of the clinical trial were positively glowing, suggesting that the new treatment could be significantly more effective than any existing alternative currently on the market.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.