Anglais

positively

gb/pˈɑzɪtɪvli/ us/pˈɑzɪtɪvli/
B1 Anglais
~ 4500
Sens
0 sens
adverb B1 property
1

Certainly; without doubt

Used to say that something is sure or certain.

Schéma d’usage : [someone] positively [verb]
Erreur fréquente :
Learners sometimes confuse 'positively' with 'optimistically', but 'positively' here means 'with certainty', not 'with hope'.
Synonymes
certainly (More common and neutral in tone.) | definitely (Slightly more emphatic or casual in tone.)
Antonymes
doubtfully (Expresses uncertainty instead of certainty.)
Collocations
positively identify |positively prove |positively certain
Thèmes
communication |opinions |core_vocabulary
Exemples
  • 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.
Exemples pédagogiques
  • 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.

Schéma d’usage : [someone] speaks/acts positively about [something]
Erreur fréquente :
Some learners confuse 'positively' with 'optimistically'; 'optimistically' suggests hope, while 'positively' here means in a good or approving way.
Synonymes
constructively (Focuses on being helpful and productive.) | favorably (Focuses on showing approval or support.)
Antonymes
negatively (Shows disapproval or harmful effect.)
Collocations
respond positively |think positively |view positively
Thèmes
emotions |communication |core_vocabulary
Exemples
  • She reacted positively to the feedback.
  • The teacher spoke positively about his progress.
  • Thinking positively can improve your mood.
Exemples pédagogiques
  • 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.

Schéma d’usage : positively [adjective]
Erreur fréquente :
Learners may overuse this in formal writing; it's more common in spoken or expressive contexts.
Synonymes
absolutely (Very common emphatic adverb.) | utterly (Often used for extreme adjectives.)
Antonymes
slightly (Expresses a small degree instead of strong emphasis.)
Collocations
positively delighted |positively certain |positively glowing
Thèmes
communication |core_vocabulary
Exemples
  • I was positively thrilled by the news.
  • She was positively glowing with pride.
  • The movie was positively awful.
Exemples pédagogiques
  • 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.

Synonymes
affirmatively (In testing, indicates presence, though less common in technical contexts.)
Antonymes
negatively (Indicates absence or opposite electrical charge.)
Collocations
positively charged particle |test positively for
Thèmes
science
Exemples
  • The ion is positively charged.
  • He tested positively for the virus.
  • The sample reacted positively to the chemical.
Exemples pédagogiques
  • The atom is positively charged.
  • She tested positively for flu.
  • Water did not react positively to the test.
Grammaire
Forme canonique
positively
API
GB/pˈɑzɪtɪvli/
US/pˈɑzɪtɪvli/
Syllabes et accentuation
pos - it - ively (3 syllabes)
Stress on 1st syllable (pos)
Formes du mot
Noun
  • Base: positively
  • Plural: positivelies
Famille de mots
Forms
positivelies noun
Core family
positive adjective B1
Related words
positivity noun
Negative and opposite forms
negative adjective B1 negatively adverb B1 negativity noun
Expressions

look at [something] positively

1
/lˈʊk ˈæt sˈʌmθɪŋ pˈɑzɪtɪvli/
fixed phrase

See something favorably

To see something as good or beneficial.

Exemples
  • 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.

Exemples
  • Even when times are hard, try to think positively.
  • She always thinks positively about the future.

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