ambivalence

[ am-biv-uh-luhns ]

noun

1. uncertainty or fluctuation, especially when caused by inability to make a choice or by a simultaneous desire to say or do two opposite or conflicting things.
2. Psychology. the coexistence within an individual of positive and negative feelings toward the same person, object, or action, simultaneously drawing that individual in opposite directions.

ambivalence

/ æmˈbɪvələns /

noun

1. the simultaneous existence of two opposed and conflicting attitudes, emotions, etc

Derived Forms

• amˈbivalent, adjective

Other Words From

• am·biva·lent adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of ambivalence¹

First recorded in 1910–15; ambi- + valence

Example Sentences

One is that besides the workers and businesses that serve the industry, there’s a certain ambivalence among residents about the Convention Center and the tourism sector as a whole.

From Voice of San Diego

The FDA approved LYMErix in 1998, but with a great deal of ambivalence.

From Time

She has expressed much ambivalence over the years but never officially ruled it out.

From Washington Post

As years have passed, my desire for a family has only grown, but hers has diminished while her ambivalence increased.

From Washington Post

Despite a nice conversation, “there is a little bit of ambivalence or apathy after the initial date,” Shiri said, unable to pinpoint the reasons.

From Washington Post

But there is much ambivalence between her bright colors and sharp lines.

From The Daily Beast

The ambivalence is reflected in U.S. policy, which often has served to complicate aid delivery in conflict zones.

From The Daily Beast

A strong note of ambivalence is also present in the conflict over love and duty between Gromov and his wife.

From The Daily Beast

All parties display ambivalence, all the characters lie to themselves, everyone has someone else they blame.

From The Daily Beast

The see-sawing ambivalence neatly reflects how badly and misguidedly politicians and political parties approach women.

From The Daily Beast

But now also the psychological fatality of ambivalence demands its rights.

From Project Gutenberg

Once again he was conscious of a strange ambivalence in his attitude.

From Project Gutenberg

With the decline of this ambivalence the taboo, as the compromise symptom of the ambivalent conflict, also slowly disappeared.

From Project Gutenberg

He remembers this leading to an intense relationship that he looks back upon with a disturbing ambivalence.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• doubt
• hesitancy
• hesitation
• indecision
• uncertainty