Positive

Positive is a general English adjective describing something affirmative, advantageous, or constructive. It can refer to attitudes, statements, or outcomes that assert presence, truth, or desirability. In contrast with negative, the term is often used to express certainty, approval, or optimism, though its meaning depends on context.

In mathematics and the physical sciences, positive denotes values greater than zero or carrying a plus sign. Positive numbers are greater than zero; the plus symbol indicates the sign. A positively charged particle, such as a proton, carries a positive electric charge. In clinical testing, a positive result indicates the detection of the target condition or substance, while a negative result indicates its absence.

In grammar, the positive degree is the basic form of adjectives and adverbs, used to describe a quality without comparison (e.g., "swift"). Comparative and superlative forms (faster, fastest) express higher degrees of the same quality. The term "positive" is sometimes used in linguistic literature to refer to this base form.

In statistics and research, "positive" is used in phrases such as positive correlation, where increases in one variable are associated with increases in another, and positive predictive value, indicating the proportion of true positives among positive test results. "Positive" can also describe favorable study outcomes or conclusions.

In cultural and professional usage, "positive" often connotes constructive attitudes, well-being, and non-negativity in assessment, while still recognizing that some contexts require negative outcomes or cautions. The term spans science, mathematics, language, and everyday speech.