positively
gb/pˈɑzɪtɪvli/ us/pˈɑzɪtɪvli/
B1
English
~ 4500
Senses
0 senses
adverb
B1
property
1
Certainly; without doubt
Used to say that something is sure or certain.
Usage pattern:
[someone] positively [verb]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'positively' with 'optimistically', but 'positively' here means 'with certainty', not 'with hope'.
Synonyms
certainly (More common and neutral in tone.)
|
definitely (Slightly more emphatic or casual in tone.)
Antonyms
doubtfully (Expresses uncertainty instead of certainty.)
Collocations
positively identify
|positively prove
|positively certain
Themes
communication
|opinions
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- I can positively confirm that she was at the meeting.
- The results positively show a decrease in crime.
- He spoke positively that the plan would work.
Learner examples
- I can positively say it is true.
- She is positively sure about the answer.
- They positively know who did it.
adverb
B1
property
2
In a good or helpful way
In a way that helps or is good.
Usage pattern:
[someone] speaks/acts positively about [something]
Common mistake:
Some learners confuse 'positively' with 'optimistically'; 'optimistically' suggests hope, while 'positively' here means in a good or approving way.
Synonyms
constructively (Focuses on being helpful and productive.)
|
favorably (Focuses on showing approval or support.)
Antonyms
negatively (Shows disapproval or harmful effect.)
Collocations
respond positively
|think positively
|view positively
Themes
emotions
|communication
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- She reacted positively to the feedback.
- The teacher spoke positively about his progress.
- Thinking positively can improve your mood.
Learner examples
- He talks positively about his job.
- She thinks positively every day.
- We should act positively to help others.
adverb
B2
property
3
Used to emphasize a statement
Used to make an adjective or statement stronger.
Usage pattern:
positively [adjective]
Common mistake:
Learners may overuse this in formal writing; it's more common in spoken or expressive contexts.
Synonyms
absolutely (Very common emphatic adverb.)
|
utterly (Often used for extreme adjectives.)
Antonyms
slightly (Expresses a small degree instead of strong emphasis.)
Collocations
positively delighted
|positively certain
|positively glowing
Themes
communication
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- I was positively thrilled by the news.
- She was positively glowing with pride.
- The movie was positively awful.
Learner examples
- I am positively happy today.
- She is positively tired after work.
- The soup is positively delicious.
adverb
technical
B2
property
4
With a positive charge or test result
In science, having a positive charge or showing something is present.
Synonyms
affirmatively (In testing, indicates presence, though less common in technical contexts.)
Antonyms
negatively (Indicates absence or opposite electrical charge.)
Collocations
positively charged particle
|test positively for
Themes
science
Examples
- The ion is positively charged.
- He tested positively for the virus.
- The sample reacted positively to the chemical.
Learner examples
- The atom is positively charged.
- She tested positively for flu.
- Water did not react positively to the test.
Grammar
Dictionary form
positively
IPA
GB/pˈɑzɪtɪvli/
US/pˈɑzɪtɪvli/
Syllables & stress
pos - it - ively (3 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (pos)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: positively
- Plural: positivelies
Word family
Forms
positivelies
noun
Core family
positive
adjective B1
Related words
positivity
noun
Negative and opposite forms
Expressions
look at [something] positively
1/lˈʊk ˈæt sˈʌmθɪŋ pˈɑzɪtɪvli/
fixed phrase
See something favorably
To see something as good or beneficial.
Examples
- He looked at the change in rules positively.
- Try to look at the situation positively instead of worrying.
think positively
1/θˈɪŋk pˈɑzɪtɪvli/
fixed phrase
Have an optimistic mindset
To focus on the good side of things and expect good results.
Examples
- Even when times are hard, try to think positively.
- She always thinks positively about the future.