Ambivalence
The state of having two opposing feelings or attitudes at the same time; simultaneous contradictory feelings about a person, thing, or idea.
nounAmbivalence
The state of having two opposing feelings or attitudes at the same time; simultaneous contradictory feelings about a person, thing, or idea.
nounImagine This
The ambulance driver stops at the intersection, wondering which is the quickest way to the site of the accident.
Sounds Like
am-bih-VAL-uhns
Looks Like
Ambi_valence
Remember This
Ambi- means both; valence comes from Latin valΔre meaning to be strong or to be worth, and in ambivalence it signals holding two competing values or feelings.
Other Forms
Connect With
conflict, indecision, doubt, mixed feelings, hesitation
Note
Note the difference between ambivalence (having mixed feelings) and ambiguity (unclear meaning). Ambivalence often relates to decisions or attitudes, while ambiguity concerns unclear information.