Jákvæði

Jákvæði is an Icelandic term that denotes positivity and positive values. The word functions as both an adjective and a noun: as an adjective, jákvæð means positive; as a noun, jákvæði can refer to positivity as a concept or, in mathematics, to positive values. In mathematics, positive numbers are described as jákvæðar tölur; zero is not considered positive. The opposite category is neikvæðar tölur (negative numbers).

In science and everyday language, jákvæði describes favorable or constructive qualities, such as jákvætt viðhorf (a positive attitude) or jákvæð áhrif (positive effects). The term is common in Icelandic educational, scientific, and media writing. In philosophical and psychological discourse, jákvæði is used to discuss positivity, well-being, and optimistic outlooks. The related noun jákvæðni means positivity or affirmation.

The word jákvæð and its noun jákvæði are part of standard Icelandic vocabulary and are taught at all levels of schooling, alongside its antonyms and related terms. See also: neikvæð, jákvæðni, núll.