Yes, it’s used in a positive and negative way - in the translations. It seems easier for me to understand the positive meaning but, it requires a bit more ‘investigation’ (dhamma vicaya) to understand it’s other meaning/usage in the texts.
The positive definition is commonplace - easily understood. The other definition must be important, understanding the meaning through direct experience.
Otherwise, we would not find it in the teachings. The Buddha gave us what we need to explore and realise - for waking up.
He said understanding the Dhamma is like picking up a dangerous 
. We have to understand just what it is he has shared with us - care-fully.