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.
The acquisition value wasn’t disclosed, but he views the acquisition positively.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 20, 2026
Some of the most important reactions in nature depend on positively and negatively charged particles moving in a coordinated way.
From Science Daily ● Oct. 6, 2026
Citizens of Venezuela itself were, however, among those who viewed US influence most positively.
From Barron's ● Oct. 2, 2026
Teaching unions have responded positively to the idea of introducing career-based learning into schools at a younger age, but have warned about the burden this could place on primary schools in particular.
From BBC ● Sep. 30, 2026
At the sight of her, Boaz looked positively panicked.
From "Night Owls" by A.R. Vishny
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Get a wordDefinitions 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.
