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Bible Dictionaries
Positive
Webster's Dictionary
or (1):
(a.) Designating a method of steering or turning in which the steering wheels move so that they describe concentric arcs in making a turn, to insure freedom from side slip or harmful resistance.
(2):
(a.) Designating, or pertaining to, a motion or device in which the movement derived from a driver, or the grip or hold of a restraining piece, is communicated through an unyielding intermediate piece or pieces; as, a claw clutch is a positive clutch, while a friction clutch is not.
(3):
(a.) Prescribed by express enactment or institution; settled by arbitrary appointment; said of laws.
(4):
(a.) Having a real position, existence, or energy; existing in fact; real; actual; - opposed to negative.
(5):
(a.) Derived from an object by itself; not dependent on changing circumstances or relations; absolute; - opposed to relative; as, the idea of beauty is not positive, but depends on the different tastes individuals.
(6):
(a.) Definitely laid down; explicitly stated; clearly expressed; - opposed to implied; as, a positive declaration or promise.
(7):
(a.) Hence: Not admitting of any doubt, condition, qualification, or discretion; not dependent on circumstances or probabilities; not speculative; compelling assent or obedience; peremptory; indisputable; decisive; as, positive instructions; positive truth; positive proof.
(8):
(a.) Corresponding with the original in respect to the position of lights and shades, instead of having the lights and shades reversed; as, a positive picture.
(9):
(a.) Fully assured; confident; certain; sometimes, overconfident; dogmatic; overbearing; - said of persons.
(10):
(a.) Having the power of direct action or influence; as, a positive voice in legislation.
(11):
(a.) Designating, or pertaining to, a device giving a to-and-fro motion; as, a positive dobby.
(12):
(n.) The positive degree or form.
(13):
(n.) The positive plate of a voltaic or electrolytic cell.
(14):
(n.) A picture in which the lights and shades correspond in position with those of the original, instead of being reversed, as in a negative.
(15):
(a.) Electro-positive.
(16):
(n.) That which settles by absolute appointment.
(17):
(n.) That which is capable of being affirmed; reality.
(18):
(a.) Hence, basic; metallic; not acid; - opposed to negative, and said of metals, bases, and basic radicals.
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Webster, Noah. Entry for 'Positive'. Noah Webster's American Dictionary. https://www.studylight.org/dictionaries/eng/web/p/positive.html. 1828.
