Word
ambivalent
Phoneticsam·biva·lent
US/æmˈbɪvəɫənt/
UK/æmbˈɪvələnt/
Definition
adj. having two different feelings about something at the same time, which makes it hard to choose or decide.
adj. simultaneously experiencing or expressing opposing or contradictory feelings, beliefs, or motivations regarding a single object or situation.
Examples
“I feel ambivalent about my new job.”
“She remained ambivalent about moving to the city, as she loved the career opportunities but hated the noise.”
“The public's ambivalent reaction to the proposed legislation reflected a deep-seated tension between the desire for increased security and the protection of individual privacy rights.”
Examples
simple
“I feel ambivalent about my new job.”
contextual
“She remained ambivalent about moving to the city, as she loved the career opportunities but hated the noise.”
complex
“The public's ambivalent reaction to the proposed legislation reflected a deep-seated tension between the desire for increased security and the protection of individual privacy rights.”
Usage
Commonly followed by the preposition 'about'.
Pitfall
I am ambivalent to the new plan.
I am ambivalent about the new plan.
Use the preposition 'about' to describe the subject of your mixed feelings.
Real-World Examples
“Most described a forced, ambivalent relationship—a distrust of these platforms, but also a feeling that they are necessary in the current landscape.” “But visibility – part of her curse growing up in Dumfriesshire, but a source of connection on stage – remained a profoundly ambivalent matter.” Etymology
Back-formation from ambivalence, from German Ambivalenz, from Latin ambi- (“in two ways”) + valeō (“be strong”); equivalent to ambi- + -valent. Compare ambivert.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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