Abstract: A positive resist composition which comprises, in admixture, a photosensitive 1,2-quinone diazide compound, an alkali-soluble resin to bind ingredients and polyphenol compound to control a dissolution rate in a developer represented by the formula: ##STR1## wherein R is C.sub.1-18 or hydrogen, the composition is sensitive to radiation and has good balance of sensitivity, resolving power and heat resistance.

Abstract: A positive resist composition which comprises, in admixture, a photosensitive 1,2-quinone diazide compound, an alkali-soluble resin to bind ingredients and polyphenol compound to control a dissolution rate in a developer having a molecular weight of not more than 550 and represented by the general formula: ##STR1## wherein a, b, c, d, e, and f are the same or different and a number of 0-3, provided that d+f is not less than 1, and provided that if b, d and f are 1, then at least one of a, c, and e is not 0; R.sub.1, R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 are the same or different and a C.sub.1 -C.sub.18 alkyl group, a C.sub.1 -C.sub.18 alkoxy group, a carboxyl group or a halogen atom; R.sub.4 is a hydrogen atom, a C.sub.1 -C.sub.