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Meaning & use

positive change

phrase·Everyday

Last updated

UK/ˌpɒzətɪv ˈtʃeɪndʒ/
US/ˌpɑːzətɪv ˈtʃeɪndʒ/

Meanings

  1. phrasecountable or uncountable

    A change that makes a situation better or has a good effect.

    Grammar: Countable when talking about specific changes ('a positive change'); uncountable when talking about the idea in general ('positive change takes time').

    Patterns

    • make a positive change
    • bring about positive change
    • a positive change in something
    • positive change for someone

    Getting more sleep was a positive change for my health.

    The new manager brought about positive change in the team.

    Small positive changes can add up over time.

  2. phrasecountable

    An improvement in a person's behavior or attitude.

    Grammar: Often used with 'see' or 'notice': 'I've seen a positive change in him.'

    Patterns

    • a positive change in someone
    • see a positive change
    • notice a positive change

    His teachers noticed a positive change in his attitude.

    There has been a positive change in her since she started the course.

Word forms

pluralpositive changes

Common combinations

make a positive change
She decided to make a positive change in her career.
bring about positive change
The charity aims to bring about positive change in the community.
a positive change in
There has been a positive change in the weather.
positive change for
The new policy is a positive change for workers.
see a positive change
I can see a positive change in your writing.

Synonyms and how they differ

improvement
More general and often countable; it focuses on the result rather than the process of changing.
progress
Suggests gradual movement forward over time, not a single change.
upgrade
Usually used for equipment or systems, not personal behavior.

Opposites

negative changedeteriorationdecline

Word family

change noun
The act or result of becoming different.
change verb
To become different or make something different.
positive adjective
Good, hopeful, or showing agreement.

Commonly confused: positive change or positive reinforcement?

positive change vs positive reinforcement

This is a psychology term for rewarding good behavior; 'positive change' is a general phrase for any good change.

Practice

The new training program has brought about a ______ in staff morale.

Make it your own

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