Ambivalence: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when someone has mixed or contradictory feelings about something.

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

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
• )

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

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
• )

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.

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.

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.

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.