positive regard

USAGE SUMMARY

"positive regard" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is a noun phrase that means "a feeling of admiration and respect." For example, "I have always held my parents in positive regard."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

What happened to Unconditional Positive Regard!

The New Yorker

The profession is unique in that it encourages unconditional positive regard.

The Guardian

His sensitive portraits convey the mutual trust and positive regard that he established with his collaborators.

Yale University

Respect in the workplace includes a positive regard for each other as individuals and for the work each does.

University of California, Berkeley

This provided measures of worker regard, empathy, unconditional positive regard, and genuineness, as well as a total score.

Columbia University

Counselling is about nurturing a person within an empathic relationship of positive regard towards a better sense of self and place in the world.

The Guardian

Market research ranks it up there with Coca-Cola, Disney and American Express for almost universal consumer recognition and positive regard.

The New York Times

And his positive regard for visiting activists and researchers comforted and energized not just him but everyone around him, especially his successors at G.C.M.H.P., Abu Jamei among them.

The New Yorker

In general, a caring orientation includes displaying positive regard, appreciation, and respect for group members through behaviors such as support, validation, and compassion.

Harvard Business Review

Humanistic schools of psychotherapy hold that the empathy, warmth, and consistent "unconditional positive regard" of the therapist for the patient are sufficient to produce important changes.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The only stipulation in Barrowford, says Tomlinson, is that you get on board with their philosophy of "unconditional positive regard" – approaching all children in a positive way, no matter what.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In professional settings, use "positive regard" to foster a supportive and inclusive environment.

Common error

Avoid equating "positive regard" with condoning harmful behavior. It means acknowledging someone's inherent worth, not necessarily agreeing with their choices. Maintain boundaries and ethical considerations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "positive regard" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb or the subject of a clause. It describes a state of mind or attitude characterized by respect and appreciation. Ludwig AI confirms its usage in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Academia

23%

Science

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

3%

Science

16%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "positive regard" is a grammatically correct noun phrase widely used across diverse contexts, including news, academia, and science. Ludwig AI confirms that it expresses a feeling of respect and appreciation and is often used to describe supportive relationships and environments. While synonyms like "high esteem" and "good opinion" exist, "positive regard" carries a specific nuance of valuing inherent worth. When using this phrase, remember it represents acknowledging someone's inherent worth, not necessarily agreeing with their choices. Its frequency indicates that the phrase is suitable in formal and informal context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

high regard

A slightly more formal alternative, denoting great respect.

admiration

This term emphasizes the feeling of deep respect and approval.

high esteem

This alternative implies a higher level of respect and admiration than "positive regard".

approval

Highlights the act of officially agreeing with or supporting something.

appreciation

Focuses on recognizing the full worth of someone or something.

good opinion

This suggests a favorable judgment or assessment, which is a component of "positive regard".

favorable impression

Focuses on the positive impact or image created.

respectful attitude

Highlights the behavioral aspect of showing "positive regard".

warm feelings

Emphasizes the emotional component of liking and appreciation.

positive outlook

Shifts the focus to an optimistic perspective or expectation.

FAQs

How is "positive regard" typically used in a sentence?

"Positive regard" is often used to describe a feeling of respect and appreciation for someone. For example, "The therapist showed unconditional "positive regard" for the patient."

What are some alternative phrases I can use instead of "positive regard"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "high esteem", "good opinion", or "favorable impression".

Is it grammatically correct to use "positive regard" in formal writing?

Yes, "positive regard" is grammatically correct and suitable for formal writing, especially in academic, professional, or therapeutic contexts. It conveys a specific meaning of respect and acceptance.

What's the difference between "positive regard" and simply respecting someone?

"Positive regard" implies a deeper level of acceptance and appreciation than just respecting someone's basic rights or boundaries. It involves valuing their inherent worth as a person, even if you don't agree with their actions.