ambivalent
Ambivalent (adj) means having mixed or contradictory feelings about someone or something. Example: “He felt ambivalent about the promotion — excited but also anxious about the extra hours.”
How to use ambivalent
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTorn between two opposite feelings or opinions about the same thing.
Ambivalent doesn't mean "indifferent" or "don't care" — it means feeling two conflicting things at once.
Word forms
more ambivalent comparative, most ambivalent superlative
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
He felt _____ about the promotion — excited but also anxious about the extra hours.
Etymology
A back-formation from "ambivalence", from German Ambivalenz, built from Latin ambi- ("both ways") plus valere ("to be strong").
Rhymes for ambivalent
See all rhymes for ambivalent →Frequently asked questions
What does “ambivalent” mean?
The word “ambivalent” means having mixed or contradictory feelings about someone or something. In plain terms, torn between two opposite feelings or opinions about the same thing.
How do you pronounce “ambivalent”?
“Ambivalent” is pronounced am-BIHV-uh-luhnt (/æmˈbɪv.ə.lənt/ in IPA).
How do you use “ambivalent” in a sentence?
Here is “ambivalent” used in a sentence: “He felt ambivalent about the promotion — excited but also anxious about the extra hours.”
What part of speech is “ambivalent”?
“Ambivalent” is an adjective.
Where does the word “ambivalent” come from?
The word “ambivalent” comes from Latin. A back-formation from "ambivalence", from German Ambivalenz, built from Latin ambi- ("both ways") plus valere ("to be strong").
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