adjective / noun
positive
PAH-zuh-tiv/ˈpɑːzətɪv/
Favorable or encouraging in attitude or effect.
The coach's smile and thumbs-up send the runner a positive message.
Etymology
What was “laid down” by authority came to be expressed without qualification, hence confident or certain. The favorable sense emphasizes what is constructive and good.
In context
athletes who used positive and motivational self-talk actually performed better than those who didn’t.
More examples
- She stays positive while she looks for a new job.
- The changes have a positive effect on team morale.
- We discuss the positives of moving closer to work.
Forms
positive · positives · more positive · most positive
positivity noun — An attitude of optimism or encouragement.
positively adverb — In a favorable or approving way.
Similar words
- favorable
- Emphasizes approval or beneficial conditions rather than an optimistic attitude.
- optimistic
- Specifically describes expecting good outcomes, not producing beneficial effects.
- encouraging
- Emphasizes giving someone hope or confidence to continue.