ambivalent — having mixed feelings or contradictory ideas about something or someone
Part of speech: ADJECTIVE
Definition: having mixed feelings or contradictory ideas about something or someone
Pronunciation (IPA): /æmˈbɪvələnt/
Example Sentences
- I'm ambivalent about pineapple pizza - it's either genius or a crime against humanity.
- Students often feel ambivalent about graduation - excited for freedom but anxious about responsibilities.
- He was ambivalent about his ex's wedding invitation - happy she found love, but sad it wasn't with him.
ambivalent
ADJECTIVE[/æmˈbɪvələnt/]
having mixed feelings or contradictory ideas about something or someone
She was ambivalent about accepting the job offer.
She felt ambivalent as the wedding approached. (⚖️ Mixed Feelings + 🤔 Can't Decide → Ambivalent)
"Feeling ambivalent? That's prevalent. Choose before it's irrelevant."
Got the picture? Now let's practice.
🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Latin 'ambi-' meaning both or around, combined with 'valent' from the Latin 'valere' meaning to be strong or have worth. The term was coined in the early 20th century to describe psychological states of conflicting emotions or desires.
Breakdown
ambi- (both) + -valent (from Latin valere, to be strong/worthy) = ambivalent (having two equally strong but opposite feelings or values)
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“I'm ambivalent about pineapple pizza - it's either genius or a crime against humanity.”
“Students often feel ambivalent about graduation - excited for freedom but anxious about responsibilities.”
“He was ambivalent about his ex's wedding invitation - happy she found love, but sad it wasn't with him.”
“My cat seems ambivalent about affection - demanding pets one minute, then biting me the next.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
Related
Want to master 19,000+ words?
Sign up free for flashcards & quizzes.