Word
conflicted
Phoneticscon·flict·ed, stress on the second syllable
US/kənˈfɫɪktɪd/
UK/kənflˈɪktɪd/
Definition
adj. feeling confused because you have two different or opposite feelings about something at the same time.
adj. experiencing a state of mental or emotional struggle resulting from incompatible or opposing impulses, desires, or beliefs. Often used predicatively after linking verbs like 'feel' or 'seem'.
Examples
“I feel conflicted about moving to a new city.”
“She was deeply conflicted about accepting the promotion because it meant spending much less time with her family.”
“The protagonist remains conflicted throughout the novel, torn between a sense of duty to his country and a growing moral objection to the war.”
Examples
simple
“I feel conflicted about moving to a new city.”
contextual
“She was deeply conflicted about accepting the promotion because it meant spending much less time with her family.”
complex
“The protagonist remains conflicted throughout the novel, torn between a sense of duty to his country and a growing moral objection to the war.”
Usage
Typically follows a linking verb such as 'feel', 'be', or 'remain'.
Pitfall
I am conflict about the choice
I am conflicted about the choice
Learners often use the noun 'conflict' instead of the participial adjective 'conflicted' to describe their feelings.
Real-World Examples
“And now 30 years on, McDonald appeared conflicted over breaking that street code.” “Thus, knowledge about limiting fertility conflicted with the interests of European states and plantation societies that valued population growth.” - 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
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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