Whether a word is positive or negative depends on context.
Tips
usage
褒义 (positive connotation) pairs with its opposite 贬义 (biǎnyì, negative connotation) and the neutral 中性 (zhōngxìng). A central concept in Chinese dictionary descriptions and language teaching: 这是个褒义词 ('this is a positive-connotation word').
memory
褒 means 'to praise', 义 means 'meaning' — so 褒义 = 'praise-meaning'. Compare 贬义 (biǎnyì): 贬 'to demean' + 义 'meaning' = 'demean-meaning'.
