positive
gb/pˈɑzɪtɪv/ us/pˈɑzɪtɪv/
B1
Inglese
~ 1300
Accezioni
0 accezioni
adjective
B1
property
1
Optimistic or confident in outlook
Feeling sure that good things will happen or seeing the good side of things.
Schema d'uso:
[someone] is positive about [something]
Errore comune:
Learners sometimes confuse 'positive' with 'sure' in contexts like 'I am positive he left,' which is a different meaning.
Sinonimi
optimistic (Focuses on expecting good outcomes, often in a general sense.)
Contrari
negative (Focuses on expecting bad outcomes or seeing the bad side of situations.)
Collocazioni
positive attitude
|positive outlook
|stay positive
|positive mindset
|remain positive
Temi
emotions
|daily life
|core_vocabulary
Esempi
- She always tries to stay positive, even when things are hard.
- The coach was positive about the team's chances.
- His positive attitude helped everyone feel better.
- Despite the setback, they remained positive about the future.
Esempi per chi studia
- I am positive about my exam.
- She stays positive when it rains.
- He has a positive view of life.
- We try to be positive every day.
adjective
B2
property
2
Indicating the presence of something
Showing that something is there or true, often from a test or check.
Schema d'uso:
[test/result] is positive for [something]
Errore comune:
Learners may confuse this use with emotional positivity; here it refers to factual presence, not feelings.
Sinonimi
confirmed (Emphasizes certainty that something is true or present.)
Contrari
negative (Indicates absence or lack of something in tests or results.)
Collocazioni
test positive
|positive result
|positive for COVID-19
|positive diagnosis
Temi
science
|health
Esempi
- The test came back positive for the virus.
- She tested positive for the banned substance.
- The sample showed a positive result for bacteria.
Esempi per chi studia
- I tested positive for flu.
- The result is positive for sugar.
- He is positive for the illness.
adjective
B1
property
3
Completely certain about something
Being 100% sure about something.
Schema d'uso:
[someone] is positive that [clause]
Errore comune:
Learners sometimes confuse this with 'optimistic'; here it refers to certainty, not hopefulness.
Sinonimi
certain (Very close in meaning; interchangeable in most contexts.)
Contrari
unsure (Not certain or confident about something.)
Collocazioni
absolutely positive
|quite positive
|positive identification
Temi
daily life
|core_vocabulary
Esempi
- I’m positive I left my keys on the table.
- She was positive that she had locked the door.
- Are you positive this is the right address?
Esempi per chi studia
- I am positive we met before.
- She is positive he is here.
- He is positive about the answer.
adjective
technical
B2
property
4
Having a net electric charge of protons
In science, having more protons than electrons in atoms or particles.
Sinonimi
charged (General term for having an electrical charge; not specific to being positive.)
Contrari
negative (Having more electrons than protons.)
Collocazioni
positive charge
|positive ion
Temi
science
Esempi
- A proton has a positive electric charge.
- The particle became positive after losing electrons.
- Positive ions are attracted to negative ones.
Esempi per chi studia
- A proton is positive.
- This atom is positive.
- Positive charges go to negative charges.
adjective
B1
property
5
More than zero in amount or value
More than zero in number or amount.
Sinonimi
above zero (Plainly describes being greater than zero.)
Contrari
negative (Less than zero in value or amount.)
Collocazioni
positive number
|positive growth
Temi
math
|science
Esempi
- The company reported positive earnings this quarter.
- Temperatures stayed in the positive range all week.
- In math, a positive number is greater than zero.
Esempi per chi studia
- Two is a positive number.
- We have positive growth this year.
- The temperature is positive today.
Grammatica
Forma base
positive
IPA
GB/pˈɑzɪtɪv/
US/pˈɑzɪtɪv/
Sillabe e accento
pos - it - ive (3 sillabe)
Stress on 1st syllable (pos)
Forme flesse
Adjective
- Base: positive
Famiglia di parole
Core family
positively
adverb B1
positivity
noun
Negative and opposite forms
Espressioni
positive thinking
1/pˈɑzɪtɪv θˈɪŋkɪŋ/
fixed phrase
Focusing on good possibilities and outcomes
Trying to think about good things and expect good results instead of bad ones.
Esempi
- Positive thinking can improve your mood and health.
- She believes in the power of positive thinking.
stay positive
1/stˈeɪ pˈɑzɪtɪv/
fixed phrase
Keep an optimistic attitude
Keep feeling hopeful and looking for good things, even when things are hard.
Esempi
- Even during tough times, it's important to stay positive.
- She told her friend to stay positive before the big exam.
test positive for
1/tˈɛst pˈɑzɪtɪv fɚ/
fixed phrase
Be confirmed as having something by a test
When a test shows that you have a specific thing, like a disease or substance.
Esempi
- He tested positive for COVID-19 last week.
- The athlete tested positive for banned drugs.