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positive

/ˈpɒzɪ̈tɪv/

In a psychological context, it describes a proactive focus on the good rather than the bad. It is more active than 'optimistic', often implying an intentional choice to maintain hope or confidence. When used to express certainty, it carries a weight of absolute conviction. Saying "I am positive" is stronger and more definitive than saying "I think so" or "I'm pretty sure." In medical contexts, the word is clinically neutral despite its usually 'good' connotation. A "positive result" simply means the target was found; in the case of a disease, this is an objectively negative outcome for the patient. Technically, it represents one pole of a binary opposition (positive vs. negative), whether referring to electrical charges or mathematical values.

💬Trò chuyện

🎬Tuesday afternoon, Karen is at the clinic and David is in a corporate meeting.
Karen Smith

Leo's strep test came back positive. He's totally out of commission for the game.

Karen Smith
David Smith
David Smith

Rough. I'll circle back with you once I wrap up this call.

💡
Karen uses 'positive' in a medical context to indicate the presence of an infection. She uses the idiom 'out of commission' to mean Leo is unable to participate or function. David responds using corporate jargon ('circle back', 'wrap up'), reflecting his persona as a manager who brings work-speak into his personal life.

Ý nghĩa

adjective

Expressing or characterized by confidence, optimism, or hope.

"She maintained a positive attitude despite the setbacks."

adjective

Constituting or characterized by the presence of a particular substance, condition, or characteristic being searched for in a medical test.

"The patient tested positive for the flu."

adjective

Absolutely sure; certain.

"Are you positive that you locked the door?"

adjective

Having a charge of electricity that is opposite to negative.

"The proton is a positive ion."

Ví dụ

I just need some positive feedback for once, okay?

Wait, are you absolutely positive the oven is off?

I'm trying to keep a positive mindset about this move.

My god, the test came back positive for everything!

Is this wire the positive terminal or the negative one?

Let's just focus on the positive aspects of the trip.

I am positive I saw him steal that phone!

We need to maintain a positive image for the clients.

I'm positive we've met somewhere before, haven't we?

The results were positive, so we start treatment tomorrow.

Từ liên quan

Last Updated: May 23, 2026Report an Error