positively
POZ-ih-tihv-lee
Positively (adv) means In a hopeful or constructive way. Example: “The staff reacted positively to the plan and offered several useful ideas.”
adv
1
In a hopeful or constructive way.
"The staff reacted positively to the plan and offered several useful ideas."
"Try to think positively about the exam rather than worrying all night."
"She responded positively to the criticism."
2
Used for emphasis, meaning absolutely or definitely.
"The soup was positively delicious, and I asked for a second bowl."
"It's positively freezing in here, so please close the window."
"The traffic was positively unbearable this morning."
How to use positively
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishIn a good or hopeful way, or as an intensifier meaning "absolutely."
Common pairings
react positively
positively glowing
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more positively
- Superlative
- most positively
Fill the gap
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The staff reacted _____ to the plan and offered several useful ideas.
Etymology
From Middle English positively, equivalent to positive + -ly.
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for positively
See all rhymes for positively →Frequently asked questions
What does “positively” mean?
The word “positively” means in a hopeful or constructive way. In plain terms, in a good or hopeful way, or as an intensifier meaning "absolutely.".
How do you pronounce “positively”?
“Positively” is pronounced POZ-ih-tihv-lee (/ˈpɑ.zɪ.tɪv.li/ in IPA).
How do you use “positively” in a sentence?
Here is “positively” used in a sentence: “She responded positively to the criticism.”
What part of speech is “positively”?
“Positively” is an adverb.
Is “positively” a common word?
“Positively” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “positively” have?
“Positively” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: in a hopeful or constructive way.
What is the difference between 'positively' and 'definitely'?
Both words can express strong certainty, but 'positively' often adds forceful emphasis to something surprising or hard to believe, as in 'she was positively glowing.' 'Definitely' simply confirms that something is certain or settled, without the same emotional colour.
When should you use 'positively' instead of 'negatively'?
Use 'positively' to describe acting in a hopeful, constructive, or approving way, and 'negatively' for the opposite. For example, responding positively to feedback means welcoming it, while responding negatively means resisting or criticising it.
What words commonly follow 'positively' when it means 'absolutely'?
In its emphatic sense, 'positively' often pairs with strong adjectives or verbs, as in 'positively delighted,' 'positively enormous,' or 'positively refuse.' Here it intensifies the following word rather than describing a hopeful manner.
Is 'positively' formal or informal?
'Positively' works in both formal and informal English. Its emphatic sense ('positively thrilled') is common in expressive, conversational speech, while its constructive sense ('respond positively') appears often in formal and professional writing.
