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Ambivalently - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

Ambivalently means having mixed or conflicting feelings about something. It describes an uncertain or indecisive attitude, often when someone simultaneously experiences both positive and negative emotions toward a situation or choice.

ambivalently

/æmˈbɪvələntli/ /æmˈbɪvələntli/

Definition:

Having mixed feelings or contradictory attitudes simultaneously.

Synonyms:

uncertainly, indecisively, hesitantly, conflictedly

Part of Speech:

adverb

Antonyms:

decisively, unequivocally

Common Collocations:

feel ambivalently, react ambivalently, speak ambivalently

Derivatives:

ambivalence, ambivalent

Usage Tips:

Use "ambivalently" to describe actions or emotions showing conflicting or uncertain feelings.

Common Phrases:

on the fence, torn between, mixed feelings

Etymology:

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

Examples:

  • 1. She smiled ambivalently when asked about her promotion.
  • 2. He nodded ambivalently, unsure whether to agree or disagree.
  • 3. They responded ambivalently to the proposal, neither rejecting nor accepting it fully.
  • 4. She spoke ambivalently about her future plans, revealing her inner conflict.

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