positive

Definitions

posit (placed, set down) + -ive (adj.) = 'firmly set down.' A 'positive' rule was one formally laid down, hence fixed and certain. 'Certain' softened into 'affirming, good,' which became the everyday 'optimistic.' The test-result, math, and physics senses all keep the old idea of being definitely 'set' on one side.

Why It Means This

Positive's drift is one of the family's best stories. From positus ('placed, set down'), a positive law was one a ruler had formally laid down — fixed by decree rather than by nature. 'Fixed/decided' became 'certain' (I'm positive), and a certain, affirming attitude became 'good, optimistic' (a positive outlook). The opposite of negative in math, the 'present' result in a lab test, and the charge in physics all trace back to that same notion of something firmly and definitely set.

Common Collocations

• 1.positive attitude积极态度
• 2.positive feedback正面反馈
• 3.test positive检测呈阳性
• 4.positive impact积极影响

Example Sentences

• 1.

  Try to stay positive even when things go wrong.

• 2.

  I'm absolutely positive I locked the door.

• 3.

  Her test came back positive, so she stayed home.

• 4.

  Let's focus on the positives of the new plan.