positively
Americanadverb
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with certainty; absolutely.
The statement is positively true.
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decidedly; unquestionably; definitely.
His conduct is positively shocking.
interjection
adverb
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in a positive manner
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(intensifier)
he disliked her: in fact, he positively hated her
Etymology
Origin of positively
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.
Vocabulary lists containing positively
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Where the article argues voters prefer dramatic personalities, the polling evidence indicates that a significant portion of the California electorate is responding positively to Becerra’s emphasis on competence and accomplishment over theatrical presentation.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 23, 2026
Environmental groups, academics and research institutions reacted positively to these proposals.
From BBC • Apr. 22, 2026
But as a leading indicator, it is positively correlated.
From MarketWatch • Apr. 17, 2026
Tech stocks surged as investors reacted positively to earnings from Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 16, 2026
Penelope made a mental note to positively spoil the children with treats when they got home, as a reward for being so clever.
From "The Hidden Gallery" by Maryrose Wood
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
