ambivalent

IPA

Dictionary definition of ambivalent

Having mixed feelings or conflicting attitudes towards something or someone.
"The politician's ambivalent stance on the issue left voters unsure of his position."

Detailed meaning of ambivalent

It is when someone simultaneously holds two or more conflicting feelings, such as love and hate, attraction and repulsion, or good and bad. It is a state of having both positive and negative feelings about something. Ambivalent people often have difficulty making decisions or taking action because of the conflicting nature of their feelings. Ambivalent attitudes can arise from a variety of factors, such as past experiences, personal values, or conflicting obligations. Ambivalence can also be seen in situations where a person is torn between two or more options, or when a person is unsure about what they want, or what they should do. Ambivalence can be seen as both a positive and negative state, it can lead to a deeper understanding of oneself and others, but also it can lead to indecision, confusion and inaction.

Example sentences containing ambivalent

1. Her ambivalent feelings toward the proposal were evident in her hesitant response.
2. He seemed ambivalent about attending the event, torn between socializing and staying home.
3. The team's ambivalent performance left their fans both hopeful and frustrated.
4. Jane's ambivalent attitude toward change made it difficult for her to adapt to new situations.
5. The employee's ambivalent reaction to the policy change was a mix of confusion and concern.
6. Despite his ambivalent emotions, he decided to attend the meeting to hear the discussion.

History and etymology of ambivalent

The adjective 'ambivalent' has its etymology rooted in two Latin components: 'amb,' meaning 'both,' and 'valentia,' derived from 'valens,' meaning 'strong' or 'powerful.' Together, 'ambivalent' conveys the idea of having conflicting or mixed feelings towards something or someone, where one is pulled in two different directions. The etymology reflects the duality of emotions or attitudes that individuals experience when they simultaneously hold both positive and negative sentiments about a particular matter. 'Ambivalent' captures the complexity of human emotions, where conflicting forces of attraction and repulsion create a sense of uncertainty or indecision, much like the tension between the two Latin components in its etymology.

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Further usage examples of ambivalent

1. The artist had an ambivalent relationship with fame, valuing privacy but also craving recognition.
2. The student's ambivalent response to the professor's question revealed uncertainty.
3. The patient's ambivalent attitude toward treatment made progress slow and challenging.
4. Her ambivalent reaction to the surprise party ranged from delight to anxiety.
5. The athlete's ambivalent feelings about retirement were a mix of relief and sadness.
6. The customer's ambivalent feedback pointed out areas where the product could improve.
7. My friend's ambivalent opinion about the movie was shared by many in the audience.
8. Despite her ambivalent attitude toward exercise, she joined the fitness class with enthusiasm.
9. The manager's ambivalent decision-making style led to confusion among the team members.
10. The scientist had an ambivalent view of technology's impact on society, recognizing both benefits and risks.
11. John's ambivalent feelings about the project were reflected in his mixed reviews.
12. The employee's ambivalent loyalty to the company raised concerns about commitment.
13. The writer's ambivalent portrayal of the character left readers questioning their motives.
14. The diplomat's ambivalent response to the crisis signaled the need for further negotiation.