Possitive vs. Positive — Which is Correct Spelling?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on March 21, 2024
"Possitive" is a common misspelling, while "Positive" means affirming the presence of a particular quality or attribute.
Table of Contents
Which is correct: Possitive or Positive
How to spell Positive?
Possitive
Incorrect Spelling
Positive
Correct Spelling
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Key Differences
Visualize a "+" sign for "Positive" emphasizing its single "s."
Think of "Positive" having a "post" in it without the extra "s."
Remember there's just one "s" in "Positive."
Associate the word "Positive" with "position," both having a single "s."
Remind yourself: "Positive results don't have extra letters."
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How Do You Spell Positive Correctly?
Incorrect: She always tries to keep a possitive outlook on life.
Correct: She always tries to keep a positive outlook on life.
Incorrect: The test results came back possitive for the condition.
Correct: The test results came back positive for the condition.
Incorrect: He had a possitive attitude towards the challenges.
Correct: He had a positive attitude towards the challenges.
Incorrect: It's important to stay possitive in difficult times.
Correct: It's important to stay positive in difficult times.
Incorrect: The feedback from the presentation was overwhelmingly possitive.
Correct: The feedback from the presentation was overwhelmingly positive.
Positive Definitions
In mathematics, positive means greater than zero.
Five is a positive number.
Characterized by or displaying certainty, acceptance, or affirmation
A positive answer.
Positive criticism.
Measured or moving forward or in a direction of increase or progress
Positive steps.
Desirable, admirable, or beneficial
A woman with many positive qualities.
The positive features of this new software.
Optimistic or constructive
A positive attitude.
Not disparaging or malicious
Ran a positive political campaign.
Very confident; certain
I'm positive he's right.
Explicitly or openly expressed or laid down
A positive demand.
Admitting of no doubt; irrefutable
Positive proof.
Concerned with practical rather than theoretical matters.
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.
Of or relating to positivism.
Of or relating to positive law.
Of or relating to religion based on revelation rather than on nature or reason alone.
(Informal) Utter; absolute
A positive darling.
Relating to or designating a quantity greater than zero.
Relating to or designating the sign (+).
Relating to or designating a quantity, number, angle, or direction opposite to another designated as negative.
Relating to or designating an electric charge of a sign opposite to that of an electron.
Of or relating to a body having fewer electrons than protons.
(Chemistry) Of or relating to an ion, the cation, that is attracted to a negative electrode.
(Medicine) Indicating the presence of a particular disease, condition, or organism
A positive test for pregnancy.
(Biology) Indicating or characterized by response or motion toward the source of a stimulus, such as light
Positive tropism.
Having the areas of light and dark in their original and normal relationship, as in a photographic print made from a negative.
(Grammar) Of, relating to, or being the simple uncompared degree of an adjective or adverb, as opposed to either the comparative or superlative.
Driven by or generating power directly through intermediate machine parts having little or no play
Positive drive.
An affirmative element or characteristic.
(Mathematics) A quantity greater than zero.
(Physics) A positive electric charge.
A photographic image in which the lights and darks appear as they do in nature.
The uncompared degree of an adjective or adverb.
A word in this degree.
(Music) A division of some pipe organs, similar in sound to the great but smaller and less powerful.
Not negative or neutral.
(law) Formally laid down.
Stated definitively and without qualification.
Fully assured in opinion.
I’m absolutely positive you've spelt that wrong.
(mathematics) Of number, greater than zero.
Characterized by constructiveness or influence for the better.
Overconfident, dogmatic.
Actual, real, concrete, not theoretical or speculative.
(physics) Having more protons than electrons.
A cation is a positive ion as it has more protons than electrons.
(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’.
(grammar) Describing a verb that is not negated, especially in languages which have distinct positive and negative verb forms, e.g., Finnish.
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
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.
Characterized by the presence of features which support a hypothesis.
The results of our experiment are 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.
Favorable, desirable by those interested or invested in that which is being judged.
The first-night reviews were largely positive.
Wholly what is expressed; colloquially downright, entire, outright.
Good lord, you've built up a positive arsenal of weaponry here.
Optimistic.
He has a positive outlook on life.
(chemistry) electropositive
(chemistry) basic; metallic; not acid; opposed to negative, and said of metals, bases, and basic radicals.
(slang) HIV positive.
(New Age jargon) Good, desirable, healthful, pleasant, enjoyable; (often precedes 'energy', 'thought', 'feeling' or 'emotion').
A thing capable of being affirmed; something real or actual.
A favourable point or characteristic.
Something having a positive value in physics, such as an electric charge.
(grammar) A degree of comparison of adjectives and adverbs.
(grammar) An adjective or adverb in the positive degree.
(photography) A positive image; one that displays true colors and shades, as opposed to a negative.
The positive plate of a voltaic or electrolytic cell.
A positive result of a test.
Having a real position, existence, or energy; existing in fact; real; actual; - opposed to negative.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Having the power of direct action or influence; as, a positive voice in legislation.
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.
Electro-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.
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.
That which is capable of being affirmed; reality.
That which settles by absolute appointment.
The positive degree or form.
A picture in which the lights and shades correspond in position with those of the original, instead of being reversed, as in a negative.
A film showing a photographic image whose tones correspond to those of the original subject
Characterized by or displaying affirmation or acceptance or certainty etc.;
A positive attitude
The reviews were all positive
A positive benefit
A positive demand
Having a positive electric charge;
Protons are positive
Involving advantage or good;
A plus (or positive) factor
Indicating existence or presence of a suspected condition or pathogen;
A positive pregnancy test
Formally laid down or imposed;
Positive laws
Impossible to deny or disprove;
Incontrovertible proof of the defendant's innocence
Proof positive
An irrefutable argument
Of or relating to positivism;
Positivist thinkers
Positivist doctrine
Positive philosophy
Greater than zero;
Positive numbers
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
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
Granting what has been desired or requested;
A favorable reply
A positive answer
Positive refers to being sure or confident about something.
She gave a positive response.
Positive means showing optimism or a constructive approach.
He has a positive outlook on life.
In electronics, positive refers to the non-ground terminal.
Connect the wire to the positive terminal.
In medicine, positive indicates the presence of a particular substance or condition.
The test came back positive for the virus.
Positive Meaning in a Sentence
Keep a positive mindset to overcome obstacles.
His positive energy is contagious.
The positive side of the situation is that we learned a lot.
She tested positive for the virus.
The experiment had a positive outcome.
The movie received positive reviews from critics.
He received positive feedback on his work.
A positive attitude can change your whole day.
Positive actions lead to positive change.
Positive reinforcement is effective in training pets.
She has a positive influence on her peers.
Positive thinking leads to positive outcomes.
They had a positive balance in their bank account.
The teacher gave him positive encouragement.
Positive ions are attracted to negative ions.
The campaign had a positive impact on the community.
The book left me with a positive impression.
The team had a positive record this season.
A positive test result means the substance was detected.
They approached the project with positive expectations.
He has a positive vision for the future.
She always looks for the positive in people.
Her positive disposition made her popular among her colleagues.
The company's positive growth is a good sign.
Positive affirmations can boost your self-esteem.
Positive Idioms & Phrases
Positive reinforcement
Encouraging a behavior by rewarding it.
Parents use positive reinforcement to teach their children good habits.
Positive outcome
A result that is beneficial or favorable.
The surgery had a positive outcome, with the patient recovering quickly.
Positive impact
An effect that contributes positively to a goal or well-being.
Volunteering has a positive impact on the community.
Positive balance
Having more credits than debits in a financial account.
It's good to maintain a positive balance in your checking account.
Positive feedback
Comments or reactions that affirm someone's actions or ideas.
The author was encouraged by the positive feedback from readers.
Positive attitude
A mindset that focuses on the good aspects of situations.
Maintaining a positive attitude helps in dealing with stress.
Positive energy
A vibe or feeling that is uplifting and beneficial.
The team's positive energy made the workplace more enjoyable.
Positive thinking
The practice of focusing on the good in any given situation.
Positive thinking is key to overcoming challenges.
Positive change
A transformation that leads to an improvement.
The new policy resulted in positive change within the organization.
Positive affirmation
A statement that promotes confidence and positivity.
She starts her day with positive affirmations to boost her mood.
Common Curiosities
Why is it called Positive?
"Positive" comes from the Latin word "positivus," meaning "settled by agreement, positive" (in sense of "formally laid down").
Which vowel is used before Positive?
The vowel "a" can be used as in "a positive attitude."
What is the root word of Positive?
The root is the Latin word "positivus."
What is the verb form of Positive?
"Positive" is primarily an adjective; it doesn't have a traditional verb form.
What is the pronunciation of Positive?
It's pronounced as /ˈpɑː.zɪ.tɪv/.
What is the singular form of Positive?
"Positive" itself is singular.
Which preposition is used with Positive?
"About" as in "positive about something."
Which article is used with Positive?
Depending on context, "a" or "the" can be used.
Is Positive an adverb?
No, "Positive" is not an adverb.
Is Positive a noun or adjective?
"Positive" is primarily an adjective but can be a noun in contexts like "focus on the positives."
Is Positive an abstract noun?
In its noun form, "positive" can be considered abstract.
What is the plural form of Positive?
"Positives" as in the positive aspects.
Is Positive a negative or positive word?
"Positive" has a positive connotation.
Is the Positive term a metaphor?
Not inherently, but it can be used metaphorically.
Is Positive a vowel or consonant?
"Positive" is a word containing both vowels and consonants.
What is the first form of Positive?
"Positive" is its base form.
Which conjunction is used with Positive?
Any conjunction can be used with "Positive," depending on the context (e.g., and, but, or).
What is another term for Positive?
"Affirmative" or "favorable."
What is the opposite of Positive?
"Negative."
Is the word Positive a Gerund?
No, "Positive" is not a gerund.
Is the word “Positive” a Direct object or an Indirect object?
"Positive" can function as a direct object in certain contexts.
How many syllables are in Positive?
"Positive" has three syllables.
Is Positive a countable noun?
In its noun form, it can be countable as in "several positives."
Is Positive a collective noun?
No, it's not a collective noun.
Is the word Positive imperative?
No, "Positive" is not used in the imperative mood.
How do we divide Positive into syllables?
Pos-i-tive.
What part of speech is Positive?
"Positive" is primarily an adjective.
Which determiner is used with Positive?
Determiners like "this" or "that" can be used.
What is the third form of Positive?
Again, as an adjective, it doesn't change forms.
How is Positive used in a sentence?
"Having a positive mindset can lead to greater opportunities in life."
What is a stressed syllable in Positive?
The first syllable "Pos" is stressed.
What is the second form of Positive?
Adjectives don't typically have forms like verbs; it remains "positive."
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Written 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.
