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positivo

poh-see-TEE-vohposiˈtiβo

positive, good

Also: optimistic, constructive
A cheerful cartoon character standing happily with arms outstretched, radiating bright yellow light, symbolizing a good attitude.

📝 In Action

Ella siempre tiene una actitud positiva ante los problemas.

A1

She always has a positive attitude toward problems.

La reunión tuvo un efecto muy positivo en el equipo.

A2

The meeting had a very positive effect on the team.

Necesitamos un cambio positivo en nuestra estrategia de ventas.

B1

We need a positive change in our sales strategy.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Antonyms

Common Collocations

  • actitud positiva – positive attitude
  • resultado positivo – positive result/outcome

definite, affirmative

Also: certain, factual
AdjectivemB2formal
A thick, bold green checkmark placed squarely inside a target circle, symbolizing certainty and definiteness.

📝 In Action

Necesito una respuesta positiva antes de firmar el contrato.

B2

I need a definite answer before signing the contract.

La ley positiva es aquella que está escrita y establecida.

C1

Positive law is that which is written and established.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Antonyms

Common Collocations

  • prueba positiva – definite proof
  • derecho positivo – positive law (written law)

positive result, positive (slide/film)

Also: plus sign
NounmB1
A simple white medical test strip displaying two distinct, clear red lines, indicating a positive confirmation result.

📝 In Action

Lamentablemente, mi prueba de COVID dio positivo.

B1

Unfortunately, my COVID test came back positive.

Necesitas conectar el cable rojo al positivo de la batería.

B2

You need to connect the red cable to the battery's positive terminal.

El técnico confirmó que había dos positivos en el laboratorio.

B1

The technician confirmed there were two positive cases in the lab.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • confirmación (confirmation)
  • prueba afirmativa (affirmative test)

Antonyms

Common Collocations

  • dar positivo – to test positive
  • el positivo (de la batería) – the positive terminal

Translate to Spanish

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: positivo

Question 1 of 1

Which sentence uses 'positivo' as a noun (a thing or result) instead of an adjective (a description)?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
positiva(positive (f.)) — Adjective
positivamente(positively) — Adverb
positivismo(positivism) — Noun
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼

Comes from the Latin word *positīvus*, which meant 'fixed, settled, or established by agreement.' This root is linked to the verb *ponere*, meaning 'to put or place.' So, something 'positivo' is something that has been settled or placed as a fact.

First recorded: 15th century (via Old Spanish)

Cognates (Related words)

Italian: positivoFrench: positif

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Frequently Asked Questions

How is 'positivo' different from 'optimista'?

While both relate to good feelings, 'optimista' specifically means hopeful about the future. 'Positivo' is broader; it can mean optimistic, but it also means good, beneficial, or confirmed as true (like a test result). You can have a 'resultado positivo' (good result) without being 'optimista' (hopeful).