See quotation 1790.
1790. The long drawling pronunciation of the termination -ive in such words as motive, productive, has furnished our brethren with a fund of derision.—Noah Webster in the Am. Mercury: Mass. Spy, Sept. 30.
1843. See GRIT.
1855. I’ve a fust rate reason for bein’ sot and posityve, and I mean jest what I say.—C. W. Philleo, ‘Twice Married,’ Putnam’s Mag., vi. 191/2 (Aug.).
