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.
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.