An element whose electrode potential is more positive than that of the standard hydrogen electrode which is assigned an arbitrary value of zero. Electropositive elements tend to lose electrons and form positive ions, e.g. the univalent alkali metals Li⁺, Na⁺, K⁺, etc., and the divalent alkaline-earth metals Be²⁺, Mg²⁺, Ca²⁺. Compare electronegativity.