ambivalence

USAGE SUMMARY

"ambivalence" is a correct and usable word in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of having contradictory or conflicting emotional responses to a person, object, or situation. For example: "The child showed ambivalence towards their parent's decision to move away from their hometown."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Looking After Jo Jo bears a superficial resemblance to Trainspotting - 'Hey man, it's just like Hill Street Blues,' one character enthuses as he watches his mate shoot up for the first time - but it doesn't have the movie's ambivalence towards drugs.

The Guardian - Film

The SDLP was in crisis because of its ambivalence to the deaths in 1981 of 10 IRA hunger strikers in the Maze prison, including Bobby Sands, who was elected as Westminster MP for Fermanagh and South Tyrone while on his deathbed.

The Guardian

But this is much more than a "war is hell" album: the power of Harvey's message comes through its historical sweep and emotional ambivalence.

The Guardian - Opinion

My own ambivalence has a source different from the glory and shame of the union, which some Yes and No partisans atavistically invoke.

The Guardian - Opinion

If he can't do that, it proves ambivalence in his feelings for you, whereas you deserve something more unequivocal.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

During our short partnership – based on my interactions with him – I believe that Donovan displayed an ambivalence about reporting the Ghomeshi story at all, a tendency that he knew better than our sources what was best for them and a troubling editorial attitude toward who would be deemed a credible enough victim.

The Guardian - Opinion

In an interview with the website Iranian Diplomacy, Siavash Zargar Yaqobi, former ambassador to Oman and India, expressed a hopeful outlook with less ambivalence.

The Guardian

The ANC blocked a motion in parliament against the law, reflecting its ambivalence to speak out.

The Guardian

The last statement might sound confusing, but it sums up some of the ambivalence I feel about Cambridge.

The Guardian

"I'm delighted that so many journalists from mainland UK have suddenly started taking an interest in the politics of Northern Ireland," he insists, though the hint of tiredness in his voice suggests rather more ambivalence than that.

The Guardian

And although the administration publicly disputed Israel's allegation that Mr Arafat had given a "green light" to Islamist groups to resort to acts of terrorism, it later backtracked a little.This ambivalence in Washington symbolises a wider uncertainty.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "ambivalence", ensure the context clearly indicates the conflicting attitudes or feelings involved to avoid ambiguity. For instance, specify what the subject is ambivalent about.

Common error

Avoid using "ambivalence" simply to indicate mild uncertainty. It describes a state of holding genuinely conflicting feelings, not just a lack of information or weak preference.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "ambivalence" is as a noun, representing a state of mind characterized by conflicting feelings or ideas. As Ludwig AI explains, the word is correct and usable. Ludwig examples showcase its use in describing feelings towards people, objects, or ideas.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ambivalence" is a noun used to describe the state of having conflicting feelings or attitudes toward someone or something. As Ludwig AI confirms, the term is grammatically correct and widely used. The word is very common, particularly in news media, formal business, and scientific contexts, as evidenced by the provided examples. When using "ambivalence", ensure the context makes clear the conflicting feelings involved. Alternative phrases include "mixed feelings", "uncertainty", and "hesitation", each offering a slightly different nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

mixed feelings

Focuses specifically on the emotional aspect of having conflicting feelings, omitting the element of uncertainty.

mixed sentiments

Similar to "mixed feelings" but can also include opinions or attitudes.

conflicting emotions

Highlights the presence of opposing emotions without necessarily implying indecision or uncertainty.

uncertainty

Emphasizes the lack of clarity or sureness, which is one aspect of ambivalence but not the whole concept.

doubt

Implies a lack of conviction or trust, related to the indecisiveness that can arise from ambivalence.

hesitation

Focuses on the delay or reluctance in acting due to uncertainty or mixed feelings.

wavering

Conveys a sense of indecision and fluctuating between different options or feelings.

inner conflict

Highlights the internal struggle caused by opposing desires or beliefs.

internal contradiction

Emphasizes the logical inconsistency within one's thoughts or feelings.

equivocation

Suggests deliberately using ambiguous language to conceal one's true feelings or intentions, a specific type of ambivalence.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "ambivalence" in a sentence?

To use "ambivalence" effectively, clearly state the subject and the object of the conflicting feelings. For example, "She felt "ambivalence towards" her career and family.".

What are some alternatives to "ambivalence"?

Depending on the specific nuance you want to convey, you can use alternatives such as "mixed feelings", "uncertainty", or "hesitation". Each of these carries a slightly different implication.

Is it correct to say someone has "ambivalence about" something?

Yes, it is grammatically correct and common to say someone has "ambivalence about" something. This phrasing clearly indicates the object of their conflicting feelings.

What's the difference between "ambivalence" and uncertainty?

"Ambivalence" involves simultaneously holding opposing feelings or attitudes towards something, whereas "uncertainty" simply refers to a lack of sureness or clarity.