positively

American  

[poz-i-tiv-lee, poz-i-tiv-lee] / ˈpɒz ɪ tɪv li, ˌpɒz ɪˈtɪv li /

adverb

1. with certainty; absolutely.

   The statement is positively true.

2. decidedly; unquestionably; definitely.

   His conduct is positively shocking.

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interjection

1. (used to express strong affirmation) yes.

   Do you plan to go to the party? Positively!

positively British  

/ ˈpɒzɪtɪvlɪ /

adverb

1. in a positive manner

2. (intensifier)

   he disliked her: in fact, he positively hated her

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1. unquestionably; absolutely

Etymology

Origin of positively

First recorded in 1585–95; positive + -ly

Explanation

Positively is a word that places emphasis on another word or statement. A positively funny joke is an extremely funny joke. Some words — like very and absolutely — exist mainly to turn the volume up on other things we say. Positively is like that. If your back hurts, you might say, "It's positively killing me!" If you want to see a movie, you might say, "I absolutely, positively must go." Someone might ask, "Are you positively sure you don't want some cake?" if they can't quite believe you don't want some. People use this word to emphasize a point.

Example Sentences

Positively, Xero’s acquisition of Melio has made it more appealing to Intuit customers.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 21, 2026

Positively charged amino acids attach to negatively charged areas of the mineral, while negatively charged amino acids bind to positively charged regions.

From Science Daily • Feb. 9, 2026

Positively charged ice crystals are forced toward the top of the cloud by updrafts, currents of rising air.

From Scientific American • Oct. 23, 2023

The group later appeared in "Pretty in Pink," performing "Positively Lost Me."

From Salon • Nov. 26, 2022

“I told her not to. Positively ordered her.”

From "The Bletchley Riddle" by Ruta Sepetys and Steve Sheinkin

Related Words

• certainly
• easily
• emphatically
• firmly
• undoubtedly