Plus vs. Positive — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Urooj Arif — Updated on April 8, 2024
"Plus" is primarily mathematical term indicating addition or positive operation, also used symbolically to represent advantage. "Positive" describes affirmative condition, quality, extending beyond mathematics to describe attitudes, tests, & charges.
Difference Between Plus and Positive
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Plus is a term used in mathematics to denote addition or signify a positive value, suggesting an increase or addition in a quantitative sense. It is symbolically represented by the "+" sign. On the other hand, positive extends beyond mathematical expressions to describe an affirmative or beneficial state, quality, or result in various contexts, including attitudes, test results, and electrical charges.
In arithmetic, "plus" is a fundamental operation that combines two numbers or quantities, indicating their sum. For instance, in the equation 2 + 3 = 5, "plus" is the operation that adds 2 and 3. Whereas positive is an attribute of numbers greater than zero, not limited to arithmetic operations but also indicating direction, such as a positive slope in algebra or a positive charge in physics.
The term "plus" can also imply a benefit or an addition in non-mathematical contexts, such as "a plus point" meaning an advantage. Conversely, "positive" is widely used to describe optimistic attitudes, affirmative answers ("a positive response"), or conditions ("positive feedback"), reflecting a broader range of applications beyond numerical value.
In the context of test results, "positive" often indicates the presence of something, such as a substance or a disease, which is a neutral term devoid of the positive/negative judgment in everyday language. This is distinct from "plus," which does not have a direct application in describing test outcomes but might be used informally to mean an addition or increase.
Electrical charges are another area where "positive" is used specifically to describe a type of charge, in contrast to negative. "Plus," in this context, could be used to describe an increase in electrical potential or to indicate a connection in an electrical circuit, highlighting its role in denoting addition or connection rather than a type of charge.
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Plus and "positive" both carry implications of increase or benefit but are distinguished by their applications: "plus" is more closely associated with arithmetic and symbolic representation of addition, while "positive" encompasses a wider range of affirmations, qualities, and states across various fields.
Comparison Chart
Definition
Indicates addition or a positive operation in mathematics; symbolically represented by "+".
Describes an affirmative condition, quality, or result; extends beyond mathematics.
Context
Arithmetic, symbolic representation of advantage.
Attitudes, test results, electrical charges, general affirmations.
Application
Combining quantities, indicating advantage.
Describing optimistic attitudes, affirmations, specific conditions like test results.
Symbolic Use
"+" sign in arithmetic and symbolic contexts.
Used descriptively in language, not symbolized by a specific sign.
Non-Mathematical Use
Signifies addition or advantage in various contexts.
Describes positivity in attitudes, outcomes, and conditions across fields.
Compare with Definitions
Plus
Representing positive values in mathematics.
+5 denotes a positive five.
Positive
Describing an affirmative or beneficial quality.
She has a positive outlook on life.
Plus
Symbolizing an advantage or benefit.
The job offer has a lot of plus points, such as high salary and benefits.
Positive
Expressing certainty or affirmation.
I'm positive we took the right decision.
Plus
Signifying addition in non-mathematical contexts.
He has a lot of experience, plus he's a team player.
Positive
Referring to numbers greater than zero.
Positive integers include 1, 2, 3, and so on.
Plus
Used to indicate an increase.
You will see a plus in your savings if you budget wisely.
Positive
Indicating a condition or result is present.
The test for the virus came back positive.
Plus
A mathematical operation of addition.
In the equation 5 + 2 = 7, plus combines the numbers.
Positive
Relating to a type of electrical charge.
Protons have a positive electrical charge.
Plus
(Mathematics) Increased by the addition of
Two plus two is four.
Positive
Characterized by or displaying certainty, acceptance, or affirmation
A positive answer.
Positive criticism.
Plus
Added to; along with
Their strength plus their spirit makes them formidable. Intelligence plus wit makes for an interesting person.
Positive
Measured or moving forward or in a direction of increase or progress
Positive steps.
Plus
Usage Problem And
"[He] is a committed man, plus he has imagination, vitality and national stature" (Merv Griffin).
Positive
Desirable, admirable, or beneficial
A woman with many positive qualities.
The positive features of this new software.
Plus
Positive or on the positive part of a scale
A plus value.
A temperature of plus five degrees.
Positive
Optimistic or constructive
A positive attitude.
Plus
Added or extra
A plus benefit.
Positive
Not disparaging or malicious
Ran a positive political campaign.
Plus
(Informal) Increased to a further degree or number
"At 70 plus, [he] is old enough to be metaphysical" (Anatole Broyard).
Positive
Very confident; certain
I'm positive he's right.
Plus
Ranking on the higher end of a designated scale
A grade of C plus.
Positive
Explicitly or openly expressed or laid down
A positive demand.
Plus
(Physics) Positive.
Positive
Admitting of no doubt; irrefutable
Positive proof.
Plus
Plus-size.
Positive
Concerned with practical rather than theoretical matters.
Plus
(Mathematics) The plus sign (+).
Positive
Of or relating to being or the possession of qualities rather than non-being or the absence of qualities
The question of the positive existence of evil.
Plus
A positive quantity.
Positive
Of or relating to positivism.
Plus
A favorable condition or factor
The clear weather was a plus for the golf tournament.
Positive
Of or relating to positive law.
Plus
And; sum of the previous one and the following one.
Two plus two equals four.
A water molecule is made up of two hydrogen atoms plus one of oxygen.
Positive
Of or relating to religion based on revelation rather than on nature or reason alone.
Plus
(colloquial) With; having in addition.
I've won a holiday to France plus five hundred euros in spending money!
Positive
(Informal) Utter; absolute
A positive darling.
Plus
And also; in addition; besides (which).
Let's go home now. It's late, plus I'm not feeling too well.
Positive
Relating to or designating a quantity greater than zero.
Plus
A positive quantity.
Positive
Relating to or designating the sign (+).
Plus
An asset or useful addition.
He is a real plus to the team.
Positive
Relating to or designating a quantity, number, angle, or direction opposite to another designated as negative.
Plus
(arithmetic) A plus sign: +.
Positive
Relating to or designating an electric charge of a sign opposite to that of an electron.
Plus
Being positive rather than negative or zero.
−2 * −2 = +4 ("minus 2 times minus 2 equals plus four")
Positive
Of or relating to a body having fewer electrons than protons.
Plus
Positive, or involving advantage.
He is a plus factor.
Positive
(Chemistry) Of or relating to an ion, the cation, that is attracted to a negative electrode.
Plus
(physics) Electrically positive.
A battery has both a plus pole and a minus pole.
Positive
(Medicine) Indicating the presence of a particular disease, condition, or organism
A positive test for pregnancy.
Plus
(postpositive) (Of a quantity) Equal to or greater than; or more; upwards.
The bus can fit 60 plus kids, but we only get 48.
Positive
(Biology) Indicating or characterized by response or motion toward the source of a stimulus, such as light
Positive tropism.
Plus
(informal) To add; to subject to addition.
Positive
Having the areas of light and dark in their original and normal relationship, as in a photographic print made from a negative.
Plus
(often followed by 'up') To increase in magnitude.
Positive
(Grammar) Of, relating to, or being the simple uncompared degree of an adjective or adverb, as opposed to either the comparative or superlative.
Plus
To improve.
Positive
Driven by or generating power directly through intermediate machine parts having little or no play
Positive drive.
Plus
To provide critical feedback by giving suggestions for improvement rather than criticisms.
Positive
An affirmative element or characteristic.
Plus
(sales) To sell additional related items with an original purchase.
Positive
(Mathematics) A quantity greater than zero.
Plus
(psychology) To frame in a positive light; to provide a sympathetic interpretation.
Positive
(Physics) A positive electric charge.
Plus
To give a mark of approval on Google+.
Positive
A photographic image in which the lights and darks appear as they do in nature.
Plus
(homeopathy) To increase the potency of a remedy by diluting it in water and stirring.
Positive
The uncompared degree of an adjective or adverb.
Plus
(optometry) To increase a correction.
Positive
A word in this degree.
Plus
More, required to be added; positive, as distinguished from negative; - opposed to minus.
Positive
(Music) A division of some pipe organs, similar in sound to the great but smaller and less powerful.
Plus
Hence, in a literary sense, additional; real; actual.
Success goes invariably with a certain plus or positive power.
Positive
Not negative or neutral.
Plus
A useful or valuable quality
Positive
(law) Formally laid down.
Plus
The arithmetic operation of summing; calculating the sum of two or more numbers;
The summation of four and three gives seven
Four plus three equals seven
Positive
Stated definitively and without qualification.
Plus
On the positive side or higher end of a scale;
A plus value
Temperature of plus 5 degrees
A grade of C plus
Positive
Fully assured in opinion.
I’m absolutely positive you've spelt that wrong.
Plus
Involving advantage or good;
A plus (or positive) factor
Positive
(mathematics) Of number, greater than zero.
Positive
Characterized by constructiveness or influence for the better.
Positive
Overconfident, dogmatic.
Positive
Actual, real, concrete, not theoretical or speculative.
Positive
(physics) Having more protons than electrons.
A cation is a positive ion as it has more protons than electrons.
Positive
(grammar) Describing the primary sense of an adjective, adverb or noun; not comparative, superlative, augmentative nor diminutive.
‘Better’ is an irregular comparative of the positive form ‘good’.
Positive
(grammar) Describing a verb that is not negated, especially in languages which have distinct positive and negative verb forms, e.g., Finnish.
Positive
Derived from an object by itself; not dependent on changing circumstances or relations.
The idea of beauty is not positive, but depends on the different tastes of individuals.
Positive knowledge
Positive
Characterized by the existence or presence of distinguishing qualities or features, rather than by their absence.
The box was not empty – I felt some positive substance within it.
Positive
Characterized by the presence of features which support a hypothesis.
The results of our experiment are positive.
Positive
(photography) Of a visual image, true to the original in light, shade and colour values.
A positive photograph can be developed from a photographic negative.
Positive
Favorable, desirable by those interested or invested in that which is being judged.
The first-night reviews were largely positive.
Positive
Wholly what is expressed; colloquially downright, entire, outright.
Good lord, you've built up a positive arsenal of weaponry here.
Positive
Optimistic.
He has a positive outlook on life.
Positive
(chemistry) electropositive
Positive
(chemistry) basic; metallic; not acid; opposed to negative, and said of metals, bases, and basic radicals.
Positive
(slang) HIV positive.
Positive
(New Age jargon) Good, desirable, healthful, pleasant, enjoyable; (often precedes 'energy', 'thought', 'feeling' or 'emotion').
Positive
A thing capable of being affirmed; something real or actual.
Positive
A favourable point or characteristic.
Positive
Something having a positive value in physics, such as an electric charge.
Positive
(grammar) A degree of comparison of adjectives and adverbs.
Positive
(grammar) An adjective or adverb in the positive degree.
Positive
(photography) A positive image; one that displays true colors and shades, as opposed to a negative.
Positive
The positive plate of a voltaic or electrolytic cell.
Positive
A positive result of a test.
Positive
Having a real position, existence, or energy; existing in fact; real; actual; - opposed to negative.
Positive
Derived from an object by itself; not dependent on changing circumstances or relations; absolute; - opposed to relative; as, the idea of beauty is not positive, but depends on the different tastes individuals.
Positive
Definitely laid down; explicitly stated; clearly expressed; - opposed to implied; as, a positive declaration or promise.
Positive words, that he would not bear arms against King Edward's son.
Positive
Hence: Not admitting of any doubt, condition, qualification, or discretion; not dependent on circumstances or probabilities; not speculative; compelling assent or obedience; peremptory; indisputable; decisive; as, positive instructions; positive truth; positive proof.
Positive
Prescribed by express enactment or institution; settled by arbitrary appointment; said of laws.
In laws, that which is natural bindeth universally; that which is positive, not so.
Positive
Fully assured; confident; certain; sometimes, overconfident; dogmatic; overbearing; - said of persons.
Some positive, persisting fops we know,That, if once wrong, will needs be always.
Positive
Having the power of direct action or influence; as, a positive voice in legislation.
Positive
Corresponding with the original in respect to the position of lights and shades, instead of having the lights and shades reversed; as, a positive picture.
Positive
Electro-positive.
Positive
Designating, or pertaining to, a motion or device in which the movement derived from a driver, or the grip or hold of a restraining piece, is communicated through an unyielding intermediate piece or pieces; as, a claw clutch is a positive clutch, while a friction clutch is not.
Positive
Designating a method of steering or turning in which the steering wheels move so that they describe concentric arcs in making a turn, to insure freedom from side slip or harmful resistance.
Positive
That which is capable of being affirmed; reality.
Positive
That which settles by absolute appointment.
Positive
The positive degree or form.
Positive
A picture in which the lights and shades correspond in position with those of the original, instead of being reversed, as in a negative.
Positive
The positive plate of a voltaic or electrolytic cell.
Positive
A film showing a photographic image whose tones correspond to those of the original subject
Positive
Characterized by or displaying affirmation or acceptance or certainty etc.;
A positive attitude
The reviews were all positive
A positive benefit
A positive demand
Positive
Having a positive electric charge;
Protons are positive
Positive
Involving advantage or good;
A plus (or positive) factor
Positive
Indicating existence or presence of a suspected condition or pathogen;
A positive pregnancy test
Positive
Formally laid down or imposed;
Positive laws
Positive
Impossible to deny or disprove;
Incontrovertible proof of the defendant's innocence
Proof positive
An irrefutable argument
Positive
Of or relating to positivism;
Positivist thinkers
Positivist doctrine
Positive philosophy
Positive
Greater than zero;
Positive numbers
Positive
Marked by excessive confidence;
An arrogant and cocksure materialist
So overconfident and impudent as to speak to the queen
The less he knows the more positive he gets
Positive
Persuaded of; very sure;
Were convinced that it would be to their advantage to join
I am positive he is lying
Was confident he would win
Positive
Granting what has been desired or requested;
A favorable reply
A positive answer
Common Curiosities
How is "positive" used outside of mathematics?
Outside mathematics, "positive" describes affirmative qualities, results, or conditions, such as optimistic attitudes or the presence indicated by test results.
What does "plus" mean in mathematics?
In mathematics, "plus" signifies the operation of addition or a positive value, represented by the "+" sign.
What makes a number positive?
A number is positive if it is greater than zero, indicating a value above the neutral point in mathematics.
How do "plus" and "positive" relate to electrical charges?
"Positive" specifically describes a type of electrical charge, whereas "plus" might be used to indicate an increase in electrical potential but not a type of charge.
What is a positive attitude?
A positive attitude is an optimistic and hopeful perspective towards situations, challenges, and life in general.
Is "positive" used in scientific contexts?
Yes, "positive" is used in scientific contexts to describe certain properties, such as charges, or to indicate the presence of a condition or substance in test results.
Can "plus" and "positive" be used interchangeably?
While they share themes of addition and affirmation, they are not interchangeable due to their specific applications in different contexts.
Can "plus" refer to physical addition?
Yes, "plus" can refer to physical addition or inclusion in both mathematical and broader contexts.
What does a positive test result mean?
A positive test result indicates the presence of whatever the test was searching for, such as a specific substance or pathogen.
How does "plus" signify advantage?
"Plus" implies advantage or benefit by denoting additional positive attributes or elements added to a situation.
Is "positive" always a good thing?
Context matters; "positive" can be neutral, such as in test results, or desirable, as in attitudes, but it depends on what it describes.
Why is distinction important between "plus" and "positive"?
Understanding the distinction helps in applying each term accurately according to its specific meaning and context, enhancing clarity and communication.
What role does "plus" play in financial contexts?
In finance, "plus" indicates addition or increase, such as in the context of budgeting or calculating expenses and income.
How does "plus" function in language?
"Plus" functions as a conjunction or adverb to indicate addition or a further point in a discussion or list.
How does "positive" impact mindset?
Adopting a positive mindset can influence one's overall outlook, resilience, and approach to challenges, often leading to more favorable outcomes.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
