ambivalent

USAGE SUMMARY

"ambivalent" is a correct and usable word in written English.
It means having two conflicting feelings at the same time, such as feeling both excited and nervous at the same time. For example, you could say "I'm feeling ambivalent about going on this trip; I'm excited to explore new places, but I'm also nervous about the long flight ahead."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was also clear that many who pay for sex feel unhappy and ambivalent about doing so.

The Guardian - Opinion

She has always questioned authority, and continues to be ambivalent towards Westminster politics.

The Guardian

The British film industry may be occasionally ambivalent about the Guardian, but they probably love us deep down, and not giving the prize to Laura Poitras's Snowden film would be perverse.

The Guardian - Film

Given Artaud's well-known misogyny it was an intriguing and ambivalent strategy.

The Guardian - Arts

The closest he has come to admitting official responsibility was after the death of Nkomo in 1999, when he described the early 1980s as a "moment of madness" – an ambivalent statement not since repeated.

The Guardian

The causes of Bachmann's close call last November with her Democratic challenger can easily be traced to ambivalent Republican voters, who had to choose between the Democrat they didn't know or the nutcase they did.

The Guardian - Opinion

When asked how audiences in other countries, who may have a more ambivalent view than the film about America's role in Iraq, would receive American Sniper, Taya Kyle, played by Miller in the film, said: "Less than 1% of our men and women sign up to serve this country.

The Guardian - Film

It's occasionally heavy-handed, filming Johnson and King arguing with a portrait of ambivalent slaveholding president George Washington wedged between them.

The Guardian - Film

"I have always been ambivalent about private practice, and I had become increasingly uncomfortable about my own involvement.

The Guardian

But they did say they too were ambivalent about their new roles as free speech icons in ways which echoed some of their critics' concerns.

The Guardian

Many people still feel ambivalent about birds of prey, especially the sparrowhawks that snatch our darling garden birds from feeders and pluck them alive.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "ambivalent", clearly identify the opposing feelings or ideas to provide context for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "ambivalent" when "indifferent" is more appropriate. "Ambivalent" means having mixed feelings, while "indifferent" means lacking interest or concern.

Linguistic Context

The word "ambivalent" functions primarily as an adjective. It modifies nouns to describe a state of having mixed, conflicting, or contradictory feelings or ideas. Ludwig AI confirms this usage is grammatically sound.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ambivalent" is a versatile adjective used to describe mixed or contradictory feelings. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical correctness and common usage across diverse sources—particularly in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Science contexts—underscore its importance in expressing nuanced perspectives. When using "ambivalent", ensure you clearly identify the conflicting feelings and do not confuse it with "indifferent". By mastering its usage, you can effectively convey complex emotional states in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

conflicted

Emphasizes the internal struggle between opposing desires or ideas.

torn

Highlights the distress caused by conflicting loyalties or desires.

undecided

Focuses solely on the aspect of not having made a decision yet.

uncertain

Highlights a lack of sureness or confidence.

equivocal

Highlights the ambiguity and open to multiple interpretations.

in two minds

An idiomatic expression indicating being unable to decide between two options.

of two minds

Similar to "in two minds", but emphasizes the division of thought.

doubtful

Implies skepticism or disbelief.

wavering

Emphasizes the instability and fluctuation in feelings.

vacillating

Suggests indecisiveness and wavering between options.

FAQs

How to use "ambivalent" in a sentence?

You can use "ambivalent" to describe someone who has mixed feelings or contradictory ideas about something. For example, "I'm feeling ambivalent about the new job offer; it pays well, but the work seems boring."

What can I say instead of "ambivalent"?

You can use alternatives like "undecided", "conflicted", or "uncertain" depending on the specific context.

What's the difference between "ambivalent" and "ambiguous"?

"Ambivalent" describes a state of having mixed feelings, while "ambiguous" describes something that is unclear or open to multiple interpretations. They are not interchangeable.

Is it correct to say someone is 'slightly ambivalent'?

Yes, you can use adverbs like 'slightly', 'somewhat', or 'deeply' to modify "ambivalent" and indicate the degree of mixed feelings someone is experiencing.