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Ambivalence Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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ambivalence

[ˌæmbɪˈvələns ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

emotions

The state of having mixed feelings or contradictory ideas about something or someone.

Synonyms

equivocation, indecisiveness, uncertainty.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
ambivalence

Used when someone has mixed or contradictory feelings about something.

  • She felt ambivalence about starting a new job; she was excited but also nervous
indecisiveness

Used when someone is unable to make a decision or is very hesitant.

  • Her indecisiveness about where to eat dinner led to a lot of frustration among her friends
  • (Note: This word can have a negative connotation
  • )
uncertainty

Used when someone is not sure or lacks confidence about something.

  • There was a lot of uncertainty about the weather, so they decided to postpone the picnic
equivocation

Used when someone is deliberately being ambiguous or unclear, often to deceive or avoid commitment.

  • His speech contained a lot of equivocation, leaving the audience unsure of his true position
  • (Note: This word can have a negative connotation
  • )

Examples of usage

  • I was torn between my ambivalence about the whole idea and my desire to help my friend.
  • She felt ambivalence towards her ex-boyfriend, unsure if she should give him another chance.
Context #2 | Noun

psychology

The coexistence within an individual of positive and negative feelings towards the same person, object, or action, simultaneously drawing them in opposite directions.

Synonyms

conflicted feelings, dual attitudes, mixed emotions.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
ambivalence

This word is best used in formal or academic contexts when describing a state of having mixed or contradictory feelings about something.

  • Her ambivalence towards the project was evident in her hesitation to commit.
  • The research paper discussed the community's ambivalence towards urban development.
conflicted feelings

Ideal for everyday language and informal conversations, this phrase describes a state of emotional conflict about a particular issue or decision.

  • I have conflicted feelings about moving to a new city.
  • She has conflicted feelings about accepting the job offer.
mixed emotions

Commonly used in both informal and formal contexts, this phrase describes a blend of positive and negative feelings about something.

  • She had mixed emotions about graduating from college.
  • There were mixed emotions in the room following the announcement.
dual attitudes

Often used in psychological or academic discussions, this phrase describes a situation where a person has two opposing attitudes towards a single topic.

  • The study examined the dual attitudes people have towards healthy eating and indulgence.
  • His dual attitudes towards competition made it difficult to predict his responses.

Examples of usage

  • Her ambivalence towards her career choice made it difficult for her to make a decision.
  • The patient's ambivalence about seeking treatment for his addiction hindered his recovery.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Coined in the early 20th century by psychoanalyst Sigmund Freud to describe conflicting feelings about a loved one.
  • Ambivalence can create inner conflict, impacting decision-making processes and emotional health.

Pop Culture

  • The term is often used in literature and films to describe characters who experience conflicting emotions, adding depth to their personality.
  • Songs frequently explore ambivalence in relationships, capturing the push and pull of love and desire.

Sociology

  • In social settings, ambivalence can arise in group dynamics, where individuals may struggle between loyalty and personal beliefs.
  • Cultural ambivalence occurs when societal values conflict, leaving individuals uncertain about their choices.

Philosophy

  • Philosophers have discussed ambivalence as a human condition, highlighting the complexity of emotions and beliefs.
  • It is often linked to ethical dilemmas, where one may feel torn between different moral values.

Origin of 'ambivalence'

Main points about word origin

  • Derived from the Latin word 'ambivalens', which means 'to be able to move in two directions'.
  • The prefix 'ambi-' means 'both', while 'valent' comes from 'valere', meaning 'to be strong or to be worth'.

The word 'ambivalence' originated from the Latin word 'ambivalentia', which means 'having mixed feelings'. It was first used in the early 20th century in the field of psychology to describe conflicting emotions. Sigmund Freud and Carl Jung were among the early psychologists who explored the concept of ambivalence in human behavior.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #14,257, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.