positive

[ poz-i-tiv ]
/ ˈpɒz ɪ tɪv /

adjective

noun

Origin of positive

1250–1300; < Latin positīvus; replacing Middle English positif < Middle French < Latin, as above. See posit, -ive

OTHER WORDS FROM positive

Example sentences from the Web for positive

British Dictionary definitions for positive

positive
/ (ˈpɒzɪtɪv) /

adjective

noun

Compare negative

Derived forms of positive

positiveness or positivity, noun

Word Origin for positive

C13: from Late Latin positīvus positive, agreed on an arbitrary basis, from pōnere to place

Medical definitions for positive

positive
[ pŏzĭ-tĭv ]

adj.

Characterized by or displaying certainty, acceptance, or affirmation.
Indicating the presence of a particular disease, condition, or organism.
Indicating or characterized by response or motion toward the source of a stimulus, such as light.
Relating to or designating electric charge of a sign opposite to that of an electron.

Other words from positive

pos′i•tivi•ty n.

Scientific definitions for positive

positive
[ pŏzĭ-tĭv ]

Greater than zero.
Having an electric charge or voltage greater than zero.
Indicating the presence of a disease, condition, or organism, as a diagnostic test.