ambivalence — the state of having mixed feelings or contradictory ideas about something or someone
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: the state of having mixed feelings or contradictory ideas about something or someone
Pronunciation (IPA): /æmˈbɪvələns/
Example Sentences
- His ambivalence about social media was obvious - he constantly complained about it but spent hours scrolling through feeds.
- The teenager's ambivalence toward growing up was natural - wanting independence but missing childhood simplicity.
- She showed complete ambivalence about the all-you-can-eat buffet: excited about unlimited food but terrified of the calories.
ambivalence
NOUN[/æmˈbɪvələns/]
the state of having mixed feelings or contradictory ideas about something or someone
She felt ambivalence about accepting the job offer.
Her ambivalence grew stronger as the wedding approached. (⚖️ Mixed Feelings + 🤔 Can't Decide → Ambivalence)
Her ambivalence gave way to balance, and finally to confidence.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
Coined around 1910 by a German psychologist from Latin roots, combining 'ambi-' meaning 'both sides' and 'valentia' meaning 'strength or power' to describe having conflicting feelings of equal strength.
Breakdown
ambi- (both/on both sides) + val- (strength/power) + -ence (noun suffix indicating state or condition)
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“His ambivalence about social media was obvious - he constantly complained about it but spent hours scrolling through feeds.”
“The teenager's ambivalence toward growing up was natural - wanting independence but missing childhood simplicity.”
“She showed complete ambivalence about the all-you-can-eat buffet: excited about unlimited food but terrified of the calories.”
“Many voters expressed ambivalence about both candidates, finding positive and negative aspects in each.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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