ambivalent attitude

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ambivalent attitude" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of having mixed feelings or contradictory ideas about something or someone. Example: "Her ambivalent attitude towards the new policy made it difficult for her to fully support the changes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

VERYEAGER: About the ambivalent attitude.

The New York Times

The rite, however, reflected an ambivalent attitude.

Encyclopedia Britannica

What emerges is the locals' ambivalent attitude.

The Guardian - Film

Don't Americans have such ambivalent attitude towards their own country?

The New York Times

It also possesses a bracingly ambivalent attitude to drug abuse.

The Guardian - Film

The ambivalent attitude continued up to the attacks.

The New York Times

Israeli health care policy makers have an ambivalent attitude to strengthening the role of primary care.

Health Policy

Greek Cypriots speak a dialect of Greek and maintain a somewhat ambivalent attitude about mainland Greeks.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He will contrast their reception with the "ambivalent" attitude troops now face when they come home.

The Guardian

One of the most intriguing things about this show is its increasingly ambivalent attitude towards Dany.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

The outspoken star has had a somewhat ambivalent attitude toward party politics over the years.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "ambivalent attitude" when you want to convey the presence of contradictory or mixed feelings about a subject. It's stronger than simply saying 'uncertain' and indicates a push-pull of opposing sentiments.

Common error

Don't use "ambivalent attitude" when you mean indifference or apathy. Ambivalence implies conflicting feelings, while indifference suggests a lack of interest or concern.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ambivalent attitude" functions as a noun phrase, where 'ambivalent' modifies 'attitude'. It describes a specific kind of attitude characterized by mixed or contradictory feelings. Ludwig AI confirms this usage is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "ambivalent attitude" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to describe mixed or contradictory feelings about something. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It's important to differentiate it from indifference, which implies a lack of feeling rather than conflicting ones. As demonstrated by numerous examples, this phrase is versatile and appears in various contexts, including news, science, and encyclopedias. While alternatives like "mixed feelings" or "conflicted stance" exist, "ambivalent attitude" specifically suggests a thoughtful consideration of opposing viewpoints.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

mixed feelings

Focuses on the emotional aspect of having conflicting feelings.

conflicted stance

Emphasizes a contradictory position or viewpoint.

equivocal position

Highlights a deliberately vague or ambiguous viewpoint.

uncertain outlook

Stresses the lack of clarity in one's perspective.

divided opinion

Implies internal disagreement or conflicting views.

hesitant approach

Focuses on a cautious and uncertain manner of proceeding.

qualified acceptance

Indicates agreement with reservations or conditions.

guarded enthusiasm

Suggests restrained excitement or optimism.

lukewarm response

Highlights a lack of strong positive reaction.

wavering sentiment

Implies fluctuating or unstable feelings.

FAQs

How can I use "ambivalent attitude" in a sentence?

You can use "ambivalent attitude" to describe someone's conflicting feelings about something. For instance, "She has an ambivalent attitude toward her job; she loves the work but hates the long hours."

What's the difference between "ambivalent attitude" and "mixed feelings"?

"Ambivalent attitude" refers to a more considered and complex viewpoint with conflicting elements, while "mixed feelings" can be a simpler emotional response. The former implies a degree of intellectual engagement that the latter might lack.

What are some alternatives to using "ambivalent attitude"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "conflicted stance", "uncertain outlook", or "divided opinion".

Is it correct to say someone has an "ambivalent attitude" about something?

Yes, it is correct. The phrase "ambivalent attitude" is commonly used to describe someone who has mixed or contradictory feelings about a particular subject or situation.