How to Pronounce Positive

To pronounce "positive", say POS-it-iv-e — 4 syllables, IPA /ˈpɒzɪ̈tɪv/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

positive

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Accent

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Speed

Syllable by syllable — tap each one

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4

Syllables

8

Letters

/ˈpɒzɪ̈tɪv/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “positive”

"positive" has 4 syllables: pos-it-iv-e. It rhymes with causative and dispositive, if that helps it stick.

What does positive mean?

noun

  1. A thing capable of being affirmed; something real or actual.
  2. A favourable point or characteristic.

adjective

  1. Not negative or neutral.
  2. Formally laid down.

Synonyms

certainsurewis

Antonyms

uncertainunsurenonpositivenegativebadevil

Hear “positive” in real sentences

Real example sentences from Tatoeba (CC-BY) — tap to hear each one, or see it used on YouGlish.

Words that rhyme with positive

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

causativedispositive

Related words

favorableconfidentconvincedcertainoptimisticcocksureadvantageoussure

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "positive"?▾

"Positive" has 4 syllables: pos · it · iv · e.

What is the IPA transcription of "positive"?▾

The IPA transcription of "positive" is /ˈpɒzɪ̈tɪv/.

What does "positive" mean?▾

Positive: A thing capable of being affirmed; something real or actual.

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