a positive conception

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a positive conception" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing an optimistic or constructive understanding or interpretation of a concept or idea. Example: "The study presents a positive conception of community engagement, highlighting its benefits for social cohesion."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

(What is a dedication to wellness but an indulgence of the self?) But one might also wonder, by the end of this book, what rhetorical resources are left for a positive conception of wellness.

The Guardian - Books

Here Fell upholds a positive conception of sexual difference, according to which the female body is integral (rather than irrelevant) to the bringing of Christ's message.

SEP

But Scotus thinks we can have a positive conception of infinity, according to which infinity is not a negative, relational property, but instead a positive, intrinsic property.

SEP

This would presuppose that he had not only a clear notion of the nature of the different virtues, but also a positive conception of the good life as such.

SEP

Common to many of them is a positive conception of ultimate truth which ascribes specific qualities to it and gets close to the theory of Buddha-nature (tathāgatagarbha) that became very important in the later development of Buddhist thought.

SEP

Although Rousseau (1973 [1762]) seemed to advocate a positive conception of liberty, according to which one was free when one acted according to one's true will (the general will), the positive conception was best developed by the British neo-Hegelians of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, such as Thomas Hill Green and Bernard Bosanquet (2001 [1923]).

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Jains thus consider anekāntavāda as a positive concept corresponding to religious pluralism that transcends monism and dualism, implying a sophisticated conception of a complex reality.

Wikipedia

His contention, however, that the human mind could not attain to any positive conception of the nature of God or his goodness provoked considerable controversy, and Mansel, who meant to attack deism, rather than theism, was accused of agnosticism.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This presents a fairly positive conception of the soul-body relation, one that clearly runs counter to the Manichean picture of the soul's entrapment.

SEP

Policy needs to be grounded upon an uplifting and positive conception of human nature, which stresses the goodness of man, and which attempts to bring about outcomes that improve the quality of human experience and communal life.

The Guardian - Opinion

That is, he should focus primarily on defending the algebraic conception of set theory as an independently plausible conception of set theory (step 1), and he should then present set-theoretic relativity as simply a new and surprising consequence of this positive conception (steps 2 3).

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a positive conception" when you want to emphasize an optimistic or constructive understanding of something. It's particularly useful in philosophical, academic, or theoretical discussions.

Common error

While grammatically correct, using "a positive conception" in everyday conversation may sound overly formal. Opt for simpler alternatives like "a good understanding" or "a positive view" in casual settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a positive conception" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "positive" modifies the noun "conception". It describes a way of understanding or interpreting something in an optimistic or favorable light, as seen in the examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a positive conception" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that signifies an optimistic or constructive understanding of a concept. As Ludwig AI indicates, its usage is supported by various reputable sources, including academic, news, and encyclopedia domains. While the phrase is more common in formal writing and academic contexts, it is crucial to consider the register and audience when choosing to use it. For more casual settings, consider alternatives such as "an optimistic view" or "a constructive understanding". The phrase's uncommon frequency suggests that while appropriate, simpler alternatives may often be preferred in everyday language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a favorable interpretation

This alternative focuses on interpreting something in a positive light.

an optimistic viewpoint

This alternative emphasizes a hopeful and positive perspective.

a constructive understanding

This option highlights an understanding that leads to positive outcomes or solutions.

a beneficial perception

This emphasizes the advantageous nature of the perception.

a promising outlook

This alternative suggests a positive expectation for the future.

a supportive framework

Suggests a foundational understanding that is encouraging and helpful.

a laudable vision

Focuses on the praiseworthy and admirable nature of the idea.

an encouraging perspective

This highlights the uplifting and motivating aspect of the viewpoint.

a valuable insight

This emphasizes the importance and usefulness of the understanding.

a bright outlook

Emphasizes the hopeful and positive nature of the expectation.

FAQs

How can I use "a positive conception" in a sentence?

You can use "a positive conception" to describe an optimistic or constructive understanding of a concept. For example, "The study presents a positive conception of community engagement, highlighting its benefits for social cohesion."

What are some alternatives to "a positive conception"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "a favorable interpretation", "an optimistic viewpoint", or "a constructive understanding".

When is it appropriate to use "a positive conception"?

"A positive conception" is suitable in formal writing, academic discussions, and philosophical contexts where you want to emphasize a constructive or optimistic understanding of a concept or idea.

What is the difference between "a positive conception" and "a positive attitude"?

"A positive conception" refers to an understanding or interpretation, while "a positive attitude" refers to a feeling or disposition. You have a "positive conception" of a theory, but you have "a positive attitude" toward a project.