# ambivalence

/æmˈbɪvəɫəns/ (US) · /æmbˈɪvələns/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/ambivalence
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. mixed feelings

noun · CEFR C1 · Academic

having two opposite feelings at once, like liking and disliking something at the same time.

For teachers: the simultaneous existence of contradictory feelings or attitudes, such as love and hate, toward the same subject.

- She felt a lot of ambivalence about moving to a new city for work.
- The protagonist's ambivalence toward his father is the central theme of the novel, driving much of the internal conflict in the later chapters.

### 2. indecision

noun · CEFR C1 · Academic

a state of being uncertain or unable to make a choice because you see both good and bad sides.

For teachers: a state of uncertainty or indecisiveness characterized by an inability to choose between two distinct courses of action.

- His ambivalence kept him from signing the contract for several weeks.
- The committee's ambivalence regarding the proposed budget cuts led to a prolonged stalemate during the final round of negotiations.

## Examples

- She felt ambivalence about moving to a new city.
- The public's ambivalence toward the new law was clear, as many supported the goals but feared the cost.
- The protagonist's ambivalence toward his family's legacy drives the narrative, as he is torn between a desire for independence and a deep-seated need for their approval.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.