Ambivalently Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ค
ambivalently
[รฆmหbษชvษlษntli ]
Definition
emotional response
Ambivalently is an adverb used to describe a state of having mixed feelings or contradictory ideas about something or someone. It indicates a simultaneous existence of opposite emotions, such as love and hate, attraction and repulsion. When a person feels ambivalent, they may struggle to make decisions due to this internal conflict. This term is often used in psychological contexts to discuss emotional complexity.
Synonyms
conflictedly, mixedly, uncertainly.
Examples of usage
- She felt ambivalently about moving to a new city.
- He looked at the offer ambivalently, unsure of what to choose.
- The audience reacted ambivalently to the controversial performance.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Psychology
- In psychology, ambivalence is often linked to decision-making, where individuals feel torn between two choices.
- It can lead to a phenomenon known as 'approach-avoidance conflict', where the person desires and fears the same outcome.
- Ambivalence is a common emotional response during major life changes, such as moving or starting a new job.
Literature
- Many classic novels explore characters who feel ambivalently about love, duty, and moral dilemmas, enriching their emotional complexity.
- Famous authors like Virginia Woolf often portrayed ambivalent feelings as central to character development.
- Ambivalence in literature can evoke empathy from readers, as it mirrors real-life emotional struggles.
Pop Culture
- Pop songs frequently express ambivalence, reflecting the complexities of love and relationships, like feelings of both joy and heartbreak.
- Movies often showcase characters who are ambivalently torn between their desires and their responsibilities.
- The duality of ambivalence can be seen in art and music, where conflicting emotions are represented, drawing viewers into deeper contemplation.
Origin of 'ambivalently'
Main points about word origin
- This word comes from the Latin 'ambivalens', which means 'having two strong feelings about something'.
- It combines the prefix 'ambi-', meaning 'both', with 'valent', which relates to strength or value.
- The term gained popularity in the early 20th century as psychology began exploring complex human emotions.
The word 'ambivalently' is derived from the root 'ambivalent', which comes from the Latin word 'ambivalens', meaning 'to be in two minds'. The prefix 'ambi-' translates to 'both' or 'on both sides', while 'valent' comes from 'valere', meaning 'to be strong' or 'to have worth'. The term began to be used in English in the early 20th century, particularly in the realm of psychology, to describe conflicting feelings and has since been adopted in broader contexts to illustrate similar emotional complexities in various situations.
Word Frequency Rank
Ranking #37,102, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.