POSitively

Positively is an adverb derived from the adjective positive. It denotes performing an action in a positive or affirmative manner, and it can emphasize certainty, strength, or enthusiasm in a statement. In scientific and mathematical usage, positively functions to characterize states or properties that carry a positive sign or identification, such as positively charged particles or a positively identified individual.

Etymology and history: The word traces to Latin positivus, via Old French positif, with early English senses including “settled, fixed” and “certain, definite,” extending to “affirmative.” The noun form positive and the adverbial form positively were established in Early Modern English.

Usage and nuance: Positively is common in everyday English for emphasis or reassurance, as in “We will positively not tolerate this behavior” or “I positively guarantee results.” It can also intensify adjectives or verbs, though in formal writing its use may be considered strong or emphatic. In scientific writing it often appears before adjectives such as charged or identified to indicate a positive state or conclusion.

See also: positive, positivity, positively charged, positively identified.