online vocabulary.com

Ambivalent - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

Ambivalent means having mixed or conflicting feelings about something. It describes uncertainty or indecision, often when someone simultaneously experiences both positive and negative emotions toward a person, idea, or situation.

ambivalent

/æmˈbɪvələnt/ /æmˈbɪvələnt/

Definition:

Having mixed feelings or contradictory ideas about something or someone.

Synonyms:

Uncertain, conflicted, torn, indecisive

Part of Speech:

Adjective

Antonyms:

Certain, decisive, resolute

Common Collocations:

Ambivalent feelings, ambivalent attitude, ambivalent relationship

Derivatives:

Ambivalently, ambivalence

Usage Tips:

Use "ambivalent" to describe conflicting emotions or uncertainty about a decision or situation.

Common Phrases:

Love-hate relationship, on the fence, torn between two choices

Etymology:

From Latin "ambi-" (both) + "valere" (to be strong), meaning "having both strengths."

Examples:

  • 1. She felt ambivalent about accepting the job offer.
  • 2. His ambivalent attitude made it hard to predict his decision.
  • 3. They were ambivalent about moving to a new city.
  • 4. The politician's ambivalent stance confused voters.

MORE VOCABULARY LISTS