Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[Junkomama]

Hello, teachers.
"Actively" and "positively" have the same meaning?

You should state your opinion positively/actively.

Which one is better?

Thank you in advance!
Junkomama

[cgage2]

They are not the same. "Actively" means in person, using direct action, or even aggressively.
Positively can have more than one meaning:
in a positive sense (as opposed to negative)
There is an expression in modern English which uses the word positively with an accent on -tive-
"You posi tively come with us. (it is absolutely necessary)

I would suggest that you try using a dictionary but I find them confusing sometimes even as a native speaker. and the writing is so small

[Junkomama]

Thank you for your response, cgage-san!
Yes, I consulted 5 or 6 dictionaries checking example sentences, and got more confused .

Now , having read your explanetion, I think "positively" is better in my sentence for I mean "willingly and with confidence".
Am I right?

Regards,
Junkomama

[lotus]

Hi Junkomama,

Try "assertively."


--lotus
_________________
War does not make one great --Yoda

[Junkomama]

Hello, lotus-san!
Thank you for your advice!
I thought the word "assertive" has only a negative meaning:selfrjghteous.
I'm glad that I learned it also means expressing one's opinion strongly with confidence.


Regards,
Junkomama