ambivalent
ambivalent
Pronunciation
/æmˈbɪvələnt/am: /æm/
/æ/ as in "cat"
/m/ as in "man"
bi: /bɪ/
/b/ as in "bat"
/ɪ/ as in "bit"
va: /və/
/v/ as in "vat"
/ə/ as in "about" (schwa sound)
lent: /lənt/
/l/ as in "lot"
/ə/ as in "about" (schwa sound)
/nt/ as in "tent"
Word Form Variations
ambivalent (adjective):
This is the base form. It describes the state of having mixed feelings.
ambivalence (noun):
This is the noun form, referring to the state of having mixed feelings or uncertainty.
ambivalently (adverb):
This is the adverb form, describing how something is done in an ambivalent manner.
Therefore, the main word form variations are:
Adjective: ambivalent
Noun: ambivalence
Adverb: ambivalently
Word Form Variations
ambivalent (adjective):
This is the base form. It describes the state of having mixed feelings.
ambivalence (noun):
This is the noun form, referring to the state of having mixed feelings or uncertainty.
ambivalently (adverb):Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
1. Adjective: ambivalent
Definition:
Experiencing or exhibiting mixed, conflicting, or uncertain feelings, attitudes, or opinions about something.
Holding simultaneous, contradictory sentiments.
Synonyms:
Undecided, uncertain, mixed, conflicted, doubtful, hesitant, wavering, irresolute, of two minds.
Antonyms:
Certain, decided, resolute, unwavering, definite, sure, conclusive, firm, positive.
Example:
"She felt ambivalent about accepting the new job, as it offered higher pay but longer hours."
2. Noun: ambivalence
Definition:
The state of having mixed, conflicting, or uncertain feelings, attitudes, or opinions about something.
The coexistence of opposing or conflicting attitudes, emotions, or ideas.
Synonyms:
Uncertainty, doubt, indecision, hesitation, irresolution, mixed feelings, vacillation.
Antonyms:
Certainty, resolution, decisiveness, assurance, conviction, clarity.
Example:
"His ambivalence toward the project was evident in his hesitant responses."
3. Adverb: ambivalently
Definition:
In a manner that expresses or indicates mixed, conflicting, or uncertain feelings, attitudes, or opinions.
In a way that shows simultaneous, contradictory sentiments.
Synonyms:
Uncertainly, indecisively, hesitantly, doubtfully, waveringly.
Antonyms:
Certainly, decisively, resolutely, assuredly, confidently.
Example:
"He responded ambivalently to the question, leaving everyone unsure of his true feelings."
This is the adverb form, describing how something is done in an ambivalent manner.
Therefore, the main word form variations are:
Adjective: ambivalent
Noun: ambivalence
Adverb: ambivalently
Examples of Use
In Literature and Books:
Psychological explorations:
Works exploring human psychology often delve into ambivalence. For example, discussions of attachment theory frequently use "ambivalent" to describe a specific attachment style. This is seen in works that discuss attachment theory. (e.g. discussions surrounding the works of Robert Karen, and attachment theory in general.)
"Ambivalence: A Philosophical Exploration" by Razinsky, explores the philosophical aspects of ambivalence. This source, shows that ambivalence is a topic that is explored in depth in philosophical writing.
Fiction:
Characters in novels often experience ambivalence when faced with difficult choices. This can be seen in many modern novels, where characters are written with complex emotions.
Books that deal with moral dilemas, often include characters that are feeling ambivalent.
In News and Online Publications:
Political discourse:
News articles often describe public or political figures as "ambivalent" on certain issues. This indicates a lack of clear stance.
For example, articles discussing public opinion on controversial topics might report that "the public remains ambivalent about the proposed policy."
Social issues:
Online publications and articles frequently use "ambivalent" when discussing complex social issues, such as changing societal norms or technological advancements.
Articles that cover topics such as, the effect of social media on society, often contain the word ambivalence.
In Entertainment:
Film and television:
Characters in dramas and films often portray ambivalence, creating dramatic tension. This is a common trope in character development.
Music:
Songs can explore themes of ambivalence, expressing mixed feelings about love, relationships, or life choices.
In General Public Discourse:
Personal relationships:
People often express ambivalence in their personal relationships, such as when deciding whether to end a relationship or pursue a new one.
Career decisions:
Many individuals experience ambivalence when faced with career choices, such as whether to accept a new job or stay in their current position.
Ethical dilemmas:
In everyday life, people encounter ethical dilemmas that can lead to feelings of ambivalence, such as when deciding whether to report a wrongdoing.
10 Famous Quotes Using Ambivalent
“Being ambivalent is natural, but staying indecisive is a choice.” (Unknown)
“My mentor said an ambivalent heart cannot lead a determined life.” (Unknown)
“History turns when people abandon their ambivalent stance and choose action.” (Unknown)
“A poet wrote that love is often ambivalent before it becomes brave.” (Unknown)
“Revolutions fail when the people grow ambivalent toward injustice.” (Unknown)
“Leaders cannot afford to be ambivalent in moments that demand clarity.” (Unknown)
“Hope persists even when we feel ambivalent about tomorrow.” (Unknown)
“Wisdom begins when we question why we are ambivalent at all.” (Unknown)
“An ambivalent mind divides progress; a committed one multiplies it.” (Unknown)
“Success arrives only after we stop being ambivalent about our discipline.” (Unknown)
Etymology
To break down the etymology of "ambivalent" in a simple way, let's look at its roots:
"ambi-":
This part comes from Latin and means "both." Think of words like "ambidextrous" (using both hands equally).
"-valent":
This part is derived from the Latin verb "valere," which means "to be strong." It's related to words like "value" and "valiant."
So, when you put them together, "ambivalent" essentially means "having both strong (opposing) feelings."
Here's a little more history:
The word was coined by a Swiss psychiatrist named Eugen Bleuler in the early 20th century. He used it in the field of psychology to describe the experience of having conflicting emotions.
Specifically, Bleuler used the German word "Ambivalenz" in 1910, and "ambivalent" entered the English language around 1912.
It was used, at first, in a very specific psychological way. Over time, it's use has become more common in general language.
In essence, "ambivalent" describes the state of being pulled in two different directions by equally strong feelings.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Ambivalent
Common Phrases:
"To feel ambivalent about...":
This is the most common usage. For example, "I feel ambivalent about moving to a new city."
"An ambivalent attitude towards...":
This phrase is used to describe someone's conflicting feelings about a subject. For example, "He has an ambivalent attitude towards technology."
"An ambivalent relationship":
This is used to describe a relationship that contains conflicting feelings.
Idioms with Similar Meanings:
Since "ambivalent" signifies mixed feelings, here are idioms that express similar concepts:
"To be of two minds":
This idiom perfectly captures the essence of ambivalence, meaning to be undecided or to have conflicting opinions.
"To sit on the fence":
This means to avoid making a decision or taking sides, which often stems from ambivalence.
"To blow hot and cold":
This idiom describes someone who changes their mind frequently, showing inconsistency similar to ambivalence.
"To waver":
This describes to go back and forth between choices.
Original/Lesser known phrases:
"To have an ambivalent heart."
"To exist in a state of ambivalent pause."
"To be caught in an ambivalent space."
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of ambivalent from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
