I'm positive

Meanings

1. 1phrasefixed phrase

   A sentence saying that you are completely certain about something.

   Grammar: Often followed by 'that' or 'about': 'I'm positive that...', 'I'm positive about...'. Can also stand alone as a reply.

   Patterns

   • I'm positive that ...
   • I'm positive about something
   • be positive of something

   I'm positive that I turned off the stove before we left.

   Are you sure it's today? — I'm positive.

   She said she's positive about the answer.

2. 2phrasefixed phrase

   A sentence saying that you have an optimistic or hopeful attitude.

   Grammar: Less common; usually clarified by context, e.g. 'I'm positive about the future.'

   Patterns

   • I'm positive about something

   I'm positive about my chances of getting the job.

   Even after the setback, I'm positive about the future.

Common combinations

I'm positive that

I'm positive that I saw her at the library yesterday.

I'm positive about

I'm positive about the time of the meeting.

absolutely positive

Are you absolutely positive you locked the car?

Synonyms and how they differ

I'm sure

Less emphatic than 'I'm positive'; 'positive' shows stronger certainty.

I'm certain

Very similar in strength, but slightly more formal.

Opposites

Word family

positive adjective

The base adjective meaning certain or optimistic.

positively adverb

In a positive way, or used for emphasis: 'I positively refuse.'

Commonly confused: I'm positive or I'm possible?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “I'm positive”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

Explore more words