positively

[ poz-i-tiv-lee poz-i-tiv-lee ]

adverb

1. with certainty; absolutely:

   The statement is positively true.

2. decidedly; unquestionably; definitely:

   His conduct is positively shocking.

interjection

1. (used to express strong affirmation) yes:

   Do you plan to go to the party? Positively!

positively

/ ˈpɒzɪtɪvlɪ /

adverb

1. in a positive manner
2. (intensifier)

   he disliked her: in fact, he positively hated her

sentence substitute

1. unquestionably; absolutely

Word History and Origins

Origin of positively¹

First recorded in 1585–95; positive + -ly

Example Sentences

There are positively delightful cameos throughout, which I won’t spoil.

From Vox

While bird hunting last month in South Dakota, conditions were positively dreadful.

From Outside Online

You’re trying to spin it positively by telling the guys they’ve been great to this point, but you also know they’re essentially in quarantine.

From Washington Post

While resolutions are often phrased positively, Norcross said, they nevertheless create expectations for behavior, which can become a burden.

From Washington Post

I think guys respect that, but it’s rare to have a guy that young step in and really affect his teammates as positively as he has.

From Washington Post

In the safety of the light of day, we positively revel in our facts.

From The Daily Beast

Afterwards, the bodies were taken to the morgue to positively identify them.

From The Daily Beast

On the other hand, he was positively effusive about the former first lady and New York senator.

From The Daily Beast

Because, for me, the idea of the regal Diane in the ratty warehouse digs is positively tantalizing.

From The Daily Beast

Baltimore Sun television columnist David Zurawik has been positively effusive.

From The Daily Beast

"You positively convulse me, you're so very humorous," said Robinson, without a vestige of a smile.

From Project Gutenberg

"The duke looked positively rejuvenated," said Hexam, spitefully, as they walked down the corridor.

From Project Gutenberg

And the long-forgotten sound brought the past before him with such a vivid sense of reality that he positively shivered.

From Project Gutenberg

Miss Watling seemed to interpret his thoughts, for she positively looked down and blushed.

From Project Gutenberg

Never, when advancing an opinion, assert positively that a thing "is so," but give your opinion as an opinion.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• certainly
• easily
• emphatically
• firmly
• undoubtedly