Cool MateCertain vs Positive
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
| Certain | Positive | |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | sure, without any doubt | Having a good attitude or a good feeling about something. |
| CEFR level | A2 | A1 |
| Part of speech | adjective | adjective |
| Usage notes | Use 'certain' when you want to express confidence in something. It's appropriate in both spoken and written English, but avoid it in very formal contexts where 'specific' or 'determined' may be better. | Use 'positive' to describe feelings, thoughts, or results. It's appropriate in most contexts, but avoid in very technical discussions where precision is key. |
Frequently asked questions: Certain vs Positive
What's the difference between "Certain" and "Positive"?
"Certain" means: sure, without any doubt "Positive" means: Having a good attitude or a good feeling about something.
When should I use "Certain" and "Positive"?
They can all be used in everyday English.
Are "Certain" and "Positive" the same CEFR level?
"Certain" is at A2, "Positive" is at A1 on the CEFR scale.