positively
UK[ˈpɒzətɪvli]US[ˈpɑːzətɪvli]
adv
in a way that shows you are thinking about the good aspects of a situation; with confidence or hope
adv
used to emphasize that something is true, especially when this is surprising
adv
in a way that shows agreement or approval
adv
in a way that is definite and leaves no doubt
Morpheme Breakdown
posit
ive
ly
posit
to place
ive
adjective suffix
ly
adverb suffix
Etymology
the word 'positively' has a layered history built upon the act of placing. its core, 'posit', originates from the latin verb 'ponere', meaning 'to place or put', which itself may derive from the pie root apo- (off, away) and tkei- (to settle, dwell). the adjective-forming suffix '-ive' was added to create 'positive', which in medieval logic described a quality that was definitively 'laid down' or asserted, as opposed to being comparative or negative. this evolved to mean 'explicitly stated, certain, or confident'. finally, the old english adverbial suffix '-ly' was appended, transforming the adjective into the adverb 'positively', meaning 'in a manner that is definite, assured, or approvingly'. thus, the journey from the physical act of placing something firmly to expressing absolute certainty or favorable emphasis is complete.
Analysis
Structure: posit (to place) + ive (adjective suffix) + ly (adverb suffix)
- posit: from latin 'posit-', the past participle stem of 'ponere', meaning 'to place, put'. it functions as the core verb root.
- ive: a suffix of latin origin ('-ivus') used to form adjectives meaning 'having the nature or quality of'.
- ly: a suffix of old english origin ('-lice') used to form adverbs from adjectives.
Examples
she always thinks positively, even in difficult situations.
the test results were positively identified as belonging to the suspect.
the audience reacted positively to the new policy announcement.