positive
Word family
Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English 5++LDOCE 5++pos·i·tive1 /ˈpɒzətɪv $ ˈpɑː-/ ●●● S2 W2 AWL adjective 1 attitude 态度CONFIDENT if you are positive about things, you are hopeful and confident, and think about what is good in a situation rather than what is bad 有信心的；积极乐观的 OPP negativepositive about You’ve got to be more positive about your work. 你必须更积极地对待自己的工作。positive attitude/approach/outlook etc She’s got a really positive attitude to life. 她对生活抱有非常乐观的态度。 the power of positive thinking 正向思考的力量 ‘Think positive!’ she advised herself. “往好的方面想！”她劝自己。2 good thing 好的事情EFFECTIVE good or useful 好的，有助益的，积极的 OPP negative At least something positive has come out of the situation. 至少这个情况也产生了一些积极的东西。 Write down all the positive things about your life. 记下生活中所有好的事情。 The rural environment was having a positive effect on the children’s health. 乡村环境对孩子们的健康有好处。 It’s been a very positive experience for her. 那对她来说是一次非常有益的经历。 TV can be a positive influence. 电视也会有好的影响。 the positive contribution to the community made by many older people 许多老年人为社区做出的积极贡献 It’s been a difficult time but, on the positive side, I feel physically fine. 日子过得不容易，不过从好的方面看，我的身体状况还不错。 Women should be portrayed in a more positive light. 应该从更正面的角度来描绘女性。3 action 行动 if you take positive action, you do something definite in order to try to achieve something 积极的，确切的 We need to take positive steps to improve the situation of families in poverty. 我们需要采取积极措施来改善贫困家庭的状况。 Positive action was required. 要求采取积极行动。 It’s a relief to know that something positive is being done. 知道正在采取积极的措施让人宽心。4 support 支持SUPPORT A PERSON, GROUP, OR PLAN expressing support, agreement, or approval 积极的，赞同的，拥护的 OPP negativepositive response/reaction The response we’ve had from the public has been very positive. 我们从民众那里得到的回应是非常积极的。 We’ve had a lot of positive feedback from the people of this city. 我们从这个城市的市民那里获得了很多积极的反馈。positive about Most people have been very positive about the show. 大多数人对那个节目予以充分的肯定。5 sure 确信的 [not before noun]SURE very sure, with no doubt at all that something is right or true 确信的，肯定的，有把握的 SYN certainpositive (that) Are you absolutely positive you locked the door? 你能完全肯定锁门了吗？ ‘Are you sure about that?’ ‘Positive.’ “那事你能肯定吗？”“能。”► see thesaurus at sure6 sign 迹象SUCCEED IN DOING something showing that something is likely to succeed or improve 表明好迹象的 The fact that he’s breathing on his own again is a positive sign. 他又能自主呼吸了，这是个好迹象。7 PROOF 证明positive proof/evidence/identification etc PROVEproof etc that shows that there is no doubt that something is true 确切的证明/确凿的证据/明确的鉴定等8 scientific test 科学试验SM showing signs of the medical condition or chemical that is being looked for 阳性的 OPP negative9 emphasis 强调 [only before noun] spokenEMPHASIZE used to emphasize how good or bad something is 绝对的〔强调某事物好或坏的程度〕 SYN total10. number 数字 technicalHMN a positive number is more than zero 正的，正数的 OPP negative11 electricity 电 technicalHPE having the type of electrical charge that is carried by protons 正的，正极的，阳性的 OPP negativen COLLOCATIONS – Meaning 1: if you are positive about things, you are hopeful and confident, and think about what is good in a situation rather than what is badnounsa positive attitude/outlookHaving a positive attitude makes life so much better.a positive approachThis is just the positive approach that the school needs.a positive viewHe takes a fairly positive view of the future.a positive thoughtThink positive thoughts.positive thinkingMany people believe that positive thinking can help your recovery from serious illnesses.verbsthink positive (=think positive thoughts)Cheer up and think positive.n COLLOCATIONS – Meaning 2: good or usefulnounsa positive thingThat's not a very positive thing to say.a positive aspectThere are a lot of positive aspects to retirement.a positive effect/impactExercise has a positive effect on health.a positive influenceHis mother was a strong positive influence.a positive contributionMost refugees are determined to make a positive contribution to their new country.a positive result/outcomeWe hope there will be a positive outcome to the talks.a positive experienceWorking here has been a very positive experience for me.a positive role modelWe should provide girls with more positive role models.a positive imageIt's important to promote a positive image of our industry to young people.phrasessee/present something in a positive light (=see or present something as good)If you spend a year travelling after school, employers often see this in a positive light.The merger was presented to the world in a positive light.on the positive side (=used when saying what is good about something)On the positive side, the company’s financial condition remains strong.Examples from the Corpus
positive• "Are you sure you locked the door?" "Yes, I'm positive."• Public response to the ads has been overwhelmingly positive.• type AB positive• He has a very positive attitude about death.• A positive correlation was observed between the gastric juice ammonium and severity of gastritis.• a very positive experience• The clinic reported back that some samples tested positive for pregnancy.• We're glad that something positive has come out of the situation.• I'm absolutely positive I haven't made a mistake.• a positive message for the youth of today• This new weak current had also to be electrically charged because in beta decay the neutral neutron turns into a positive proton.• The increase was a positive response to a strategic initiative.• positive role models• The fact that he's breathing on his own again is a positive sign.• She said she was positive the exam was next Tuesday.• He's a convert to the power of positive thinking.• It means putting weakness on one side, and openly acknowledging the positive worth of the person.positive thinking• Haslam points oui that such experiences demand a great deal of positive thinking.• He's a convert to the power of positive thinking.• For most of us, however, positive thinking and self-awareness can be learned.• Stone immersed himself in a program of positive thinking and tough mental preparation.• Health Optimism and positive thinking are your greatest assets in keeping fit and well.• The positive thinking golfer, Player A has picked out an aiming point at the end of the fairway.• The power of their positive thinking is infectious and pervades our daily working life.• By simply following the day by day eating, exercise and positive thinking programme that is detailed in this book.in a ... positive light• Present everything in a positive light.• This may help one to see the beauty and wisdom of the natural world in a much more positive light.• Books portraying black men in a positive light are simply not part of the growth industry.• Yet the presentational imperative to project the policies of government in a positive light masked the existence of inner doubts.• You can always interpret things in a more positive light or a more negative light.• By contrast, 57 percent viewed Dole in a positive light, while only 27 percent saw him in a negative light.something positive• As he and Dooley unpacked it on the kitchen counter, he felt compelled to say something positive.• Plus, 209 was proposed as eliminating something seemingly negative rather than something positive.• She was brushing aside her own contribution, saying it was one thing to be seen but another to do something positive.• When I gave up my job I would try to do something positive every day.• As it turns out, however, both fared better than expected in an election which produced something positive for almost everyone.• The suggestion that he might do something positive, however, came completely from the blue.• They had to be seen to be doing something positive, something caring.• I hope that the Minister of State will provide information tonight that will assure the House that something positive will be done.positive feedback• But in swarm systems, positive feedback can lead to increasing order.• Lack of appreciation and positive feedback from those around you.• However, allosteric positive feedback is not sufficient to produce sustained oscillations.• Another possible origin of positive feedback is the finite internal impedance of the bias supply.• Nor is positive feedback necessary for oscillatory behavior.• It can be shown that simple positive feedback systems fail to display oscillations { 91 }.• The curve shown suggests a positive feedback that works towards disaster.• He found that positive feedback was predictably given most often for accuracy and quantity of reading.absolutely positive• Never accept ActiveX controls unless you're absolutely positive they're from a reputable firm.positive sign• Muddy colours in the aura indicate negative emotions or ill health; clear colours are generally a positive sign.• However, the curiosity factor was a positive sign as far as Phoenix Hockey is concerned.• It's a very complex area but I do think there are positive signs in favour of nuclear.• The positive signs on both indicate that these variables were probably indicating availability of leisure time.• Among the positive signs that investors are noticing is the prospect of favorable financial comparisons to 1995.• For investors, the Ketchum acquisition is a positive sign that Omnicom intends to stick to its strategy of growth through acquisitions.• There are positive signs; there is more money in circulation and some of it is being spent.• The most positive sign was that the rattan lashings of the main hull seemed to be holding firm.tested positive• Since 1990, more than 20 swimmers have tested positive.• I had tested positive a few months before.• Out of 16 cases that tested positive for creatine kinase, nine were confirmed, giving an incidence of 1:3082 births.• He was suspended for two years after he tested positive for drugs when finishing second in the 1988 New York race.• Seven of the 12 winners tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs.• All 20 tested positive for squalene antibodies.• Flanker Fox tested positive for the banned stimulant ephedrine following Neath's opening league game against Pontypridd on September 5.• In December 1993, Anna tested positive for tuberculosis.positive charge• Rather than being balanced throughout, they have spots of excess negative or positive charge.• Likewise, regular protons have a positive charge, but antiprotons are negative.• In such an environment the electrons would oscillate in ways which would depend upon the details of the positive charge distribution.• As in electricity, a positive charge glances away from a positive charge: like charges repel each other.• The positive charge of the protons generates an electrostatic field, which binds the negative electrons of the atom to the nucleus.• This charge meshes nicely with the slight positive charge on one side of water molecules.• This momentarily reverses the positive charge on the outside.positive2 noun [countable] a quality or feature that is good or useful 优势；优点 OPP negative You can find positives in any situation. 任何情况都有好的一面。 Always emphasise the positive. 始终要突出优势。 → false positiveExamples from the Corpus
positive• It may even be that what at first appeared to be a problem could turn into a positive.• But Salsburg wondered how many of these might be false positives.• Study their words carefully, though, and you find many more possible negatives than positives.• Deciding to choose the positive is to celebrate the birdsong, regardless of the weather.From Longman Business Dictionarypositivepos‧i‧tive /ˈpɒzətɪvˈpɑːz-/ adjective1good or usefulWhen interest rates fall, there is a positive effect on business confidence.He felt that these meetings did not make any sort of positive contribution to branch performance.2expressing support, agreement, or approvalThe response we’ve had from our customers has been very positive.3thinking that a situation is good or will be goodpositive aboutThe company is very positive about its future.4if you take positive action, you do something definite in order to try and achieve somethingShe took positive steps to boost her design team.5more than zeroExports totaled $1,275 million, while imports totaled $1,050 million, giving a positive trade balance of $225 million. —positively adverbThe market has responded positively to these types of restructuring moves.Origin positive1 (1300-1400) Old French positif, from Latin positivus, from positus; → POSITION1pos·i·tive1 adjective →n COLLOCATIONS1 →n COLLOCATIONS2positive2 nounLDOCE OnlineChineseSyllable
positive you about you Business things, Corpus are are if
positive
pos‧i‧tive1 S2 W2 AC /ˈpɒzətɪv, ˈpɒzɪtɪv $ ˈpɑː-/ 
adjective
OPP negative
positive about
You’ve got to be more positive about your work.
positive attitude/approach/outlook etc
She’s got a really positive attitude to life.
the power of positive thinking
‘Think positive!’ she advised herself.
2. GOOD THING good or useful
OPP negative:
At least something positive has come out of the situation.
Write down all the positive things about your life.
The rural environment was having a positive effect on the children’s health.
It’s been a very positive experience for her.
TV can be a positive influence.
the positive contribution to the community made by many older people
It’s been a difficult time but, on the positive side, I feel physically fine.
Women should be portrayed in a more positive light.
3. ACTION if you take positive action, you do something definite in order to try to achieve something:
We need to take positive steps to improve the situation of families in poverty.
Positive action was required.
It’s a relief to know that something positive is being done.
4. SUPPORT expressing support, agreement, or approval
OPP negative
positive response/reaction
The response we’ve had from the public has been very positive.
We’ve had a lot of positive feedback from the people of this city.
positive about
Most people have been very positive about the show.
5. SURE [not before noun] very sure, with no doubt at all that something is right or true
SYN certain
positive (that)
Are you absolutely positive you locked the door?
‘Are you sure about that?’ ‘Positive.’
6. SIGN showing that something is likely to succeed or improve:
The fact that he’s breathing on his own again is a positive sign.
7. PROOF positive proof/evidence/identification etc proof etc that shows that there is no doubt that something is true:
The witness made a positive identification.
8. SCIENTIFIC TEST showing signs of the medical condition or chemical that is being looked for
OPP negative:
The test results came back positive.
athletes who had tested positive for banned substances
children who are HIV positive
9. EMPHASIS [only before noun] spoken used to emphasize how good or bad something is
SYN total:
The journey was a positive nightmare.
10. NUMBER technical a positive number is more than zero
OPP negative
11. ELECTRICITY technical having the type of electrical charge that is carried by protons
OPP negative:
a positive charge
■ nouns
▪a positive attitude/outlook Having a positive attitude makes life so much better.
▪a positive approach This is just the positive approach that the school needs.
▪a positive view He takes a fairly positive view of the future.
▪a positive thought Think positive thoughts.
▪positive thinking Many people believe that positive thinking can help your recovery from serious illnesses.
■ verbs
▪think positive (=think positive thoughts) Cheer up and think positive.
■ nouns
▪a positive thing That's not a very positive thing to say.
▪a positive aspect There are a lot of positive aspects to retirement.
▪a positive effect/impact Exercise has a positive effect on health.
▪a positive influence His mother was a strong positive influence.
▪a positive contribution Most refugees are determined to make a positive contribution to their new country.
▪a positive result/outcome We hope there will be a positive outcome to the talks.
▪a positive experience Working here has been a very positive experience for me.
▪a positive role model We should provide girls with more positive role models.
▪a positive image It's important to promote a positive image of our industry to young people.
■ phrases
▪see/present something in a positive light (=see or present something as good) If you spend a year travelling after school, employers often see this in a positive light. | The merger was presented to the world in a positive light.
▪on the positive side (=used when saying what is good about something) On the positive side, the company’s financial condition remains strong.
positive2 noun [countable]a quality or feature that is good or useful
OPP negative:
You can find positives in any situation.
Always emphasise the positive.
⇨ false positive
| I |
adjective Date: 1300-1400
Language: Old French
Origin: positif, from Latin positivus, from positus; ⇨ position1
1. ATTITUDE if you are positive about things, you are hopeful and confident, and think about what is good in a situation rather than what is bad Language: Old French
Origin: positif, from Latin positivus, from positus; ⇨ position1
OPP negative
positive about
positive attitude/approach/outlook etc
2. GOOD THING good or useful
OPP negative:
3. ACTION if you take positive action, you do something definite in order to try to achieve something:
4. SUPPORT expressing support, agreement, or approval
OPP negative
positive response/reaction
positive about
5. SURE [not before noun] very sure, with no doubt at all that something is right or true
SYN certain
positive (that)
6. SIGN showing that something is likely to succeed or improve:
7. PROOF positive proof/evidence/identification etc proof etc that shows that there is no doubt that something is true:
8. SCIENTIFIC TEST showing signs of the medical condition or chemical that is being looked for
OPP negative:
9. EMPHASIS [only before noun] spoken used to emphasize how good or bad something is
SYN total:
10. NUMBER technical a positive number is more than zero
OPP negative
11. ELECTRICITY technical having the type of electrical charge that is carried by protons
OPP negative:
| COLLOCATIONS |
| (for Meaning 1) |
▪
▪
▪
▪
▪
■ verbs
▪
| COLLOCATIONS |
| (for Meaning 2) |
▪
▪
▪
▪
▪
▪
▪
▪
▪
■ phrases
▪
▪
| II |
noun [countable]a quality or feature that is good or useful OPP negative:
⇨ false positive
sure [ 指确信、肯定、有把握、必定 ：◆ 'Is that John over there?' 'I'm not sure.' “那边那个人是约翰吗？” “我说不准。” ◆ Are you sure about that? 这事你肯定吗？ ◆ England must win this game to be sure of qualifying. 英格兰队必须拿下这场比赛才能确保获得资格。 NOTE Sure is often used in negative statements and questions, because there is some doubt or anxiety over the matter. If there is no doubt, people often sayquite sure .* sure 常用于否定句和疑问句，表示有所怀疑或担忧。毫无疑问时常用 quite sure ：◆ I'm quite sure (that) I left my bag here (= .I have no doubt about it )我肯定是把包丢在这儿了。 confident completely sure that sth will happen in the way that you want or expect 指肯定、确信、有把握 ：◆ I'm quite confident that you'll get the job. 我肯定你能得到那份工作。 ◆ The team feels confident of winning. 这个队觉得有把握取胜。 NOTE Confident is a stronger and more definite word thansure and is more often used in positive statements, when you feel no anxiety.* confident 较 sure 语气强，而且更肯定，在无所担忧的情况下较常用于肯定句中。 convinced [ 指坚信、深信、确信，尤指有证据证明或经说服 ：◆ I'm convinced that she's innocent. 我坚信她是清白无辜的。 certain [ 指确信、肯定、无疑 ：◆ Are you absolutely certain about this? 你对这事绝对确信无疑吗？
sure or certain? 用 sure 还是 certain？
positive [ ( completely sure that sth is truerather
指有绝对把握、确信、肯定 ：◆ She was positive that he'd been there. 她确信他曾到过那儿。 ◆ 'Are you sure?' 'Positive.' “你肯定吗？” “绝对肯定。” clear (often used in negative statements and questions) having no doubt or confusion about sth （常用于否定句与疑问句中）指无疑的、清楚的、明白的 ：◆ My memory isn't really clear on that point. 那一点我记不太清楚了。
Patterns
sure/confident/convinced/certain/positive/clear about sthsure/confident/convinced/certain of sthsure/confident/convinced/certain/positive/clear that… sure/certain/clear who/what/how , etc.to feel sure/confident/convinced/certain/positivequite/absolutely/completely/fairly/pretty sure/confident/convinced/certain/positive/clearnot altogether sure/confident/convinced/certain/clear