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.
Earlier this year, Rubio was photographed on Capitol Hill wearing a new-looking pair of black Oxfords in which his feet were positively swimming.
From Slate • Jun. 5, 2026
As fans consider what might be next for the social media stars, KSI encouraged the group to "think positively".
From BBC • Jun. 3, 2026
Alphabet’s $80 billion equity plan for AI infrastructure, including custom chips Broadcom helps design, positively impacted Broadcom.
From Barron's • Jun. 2, 2026
P. distasonis and Flavonifractor plautii were positively linked with brain regions involved in attention, motor inhibition, emotion, and learning.
From Science Daily • May 31, 2026
Compared to this, the one at home was positively scrawny, but to Shirley, it was special just the same.
From "In the Year of the Boar and Jackie Robinson" by Bette Bao Lord
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.
