ambivalent role

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ambivalent role" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation where someone has to take on two opposing roles, such as a parent who plays both the role of disciplinarian and provider. For example, "The mother had to assume an ambivalent role of both disciplinarian and provider for her children."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

Indeed, said Professor Murray of the Irish Peace Institute, violence itself plays an ambivalent role.

The New York Times

A recent book suggested McKinsey has had an ambivalent role in corporate America.

The Guardian - Business

But the drinking plays an ambivalent role here, I think — the thing that pulls them together, the thing that pushes them apart.

The New Yorker

Her success signaled a clear message of financial control to other women in the industry, but in terms of image she was a more ambivalent role model.

Encyclopedia Britannica

His perception of the ambivalent role of the restaurateur – somewhere between pander and provider – was clear and forcefully expressed, sometimes too forcefully for his own good.

The Guardian

Stoppard also conveys the ambivalent role of women in revolutionary circles with Eve Best, who transforms herself from one of Bakunin's sexually innocent sisters to Herzen's free-loving wife and eventually the strict governess to his children.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

His kid brother Joaquin Phoenix, who excels in the kind of morally ambivalent roles that River had only begun to sample, is reluctant to discuss him: when I attempted to broach the subject once by pointing out that he and his brother had both played son to Richard Harris (River in Silent Tongue, Joaquin in Gladiator), the room instantly acquired an arctic chill.

The Guardian - Film

Therefore, the Chinese spouses may occupy an ambivalent, mediating role between their Western spouses and their parents.

The Journal of Chinese Sociology

Many of his colleagues are more ambivalent about his role.

The New York Times

Americans have always been ambivalent about the role of global hegemon.

The New York Times

In an interview this month, Kenneth J. Bauer, the L.I.R.R.'s president, seemed ambivalent about the role assigned to the railroad by the planners.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "ambivalent role", ensure the context clearly indicates the two opposing aspects or feelings associated with the role. Provide specific examples to illustrate the conflicting nature.

Common error

Avoid using "ambivalent role" when you simply mean a neutral or passive role. Ambivalence implies a genuine conflict or tension, not just a lack of strong feeling or action.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ambivalent role" functions as a noun phrase where "ambivalent" modifies the noun "role". This describes a situation where the role has contradictory aspects, generating mixed feelings or uncertainty. Ludwig examples demonstrate its usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

41%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "ambivalent role" effectively describes situations characterized by conflicting responsibilities or mixed feelings. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and provides examples from diverse sources, including news, science, and encyclopedias. While "ambivalent role" is not extremely common, its use is appropriate in both formal and informal contexts where nuanced and balanced descriptions are required. Remember to ensure the context clearly illustrates the contradictory nature of the role being described. Alternatives like "mixed role" or "equivocal role" can be used to emphasize different aspects of the role, but be mindful of the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

mixed role

Replaces "ambivalent" with "mixed", emphasizing the combination of different elements rather than the conflicting nature.

equivocal role

Substitutes "ambivalent" with "equivocal", highlighting the ambiguous and uncertain nature of the role.

paradoxical role

Replaces "ambivalent" with "paradoxical", suggesting a role that contains seemingly contradictory elements.

conflicting role

This alternative emphasizes the presence of opposing forces or duties within the role.

contradictory role

Similar to "conflicting role" but focuses on the inconsistency and opposition present in the role's responsibilities.

uncertain function

Shifts the focus from "role" to "function", describing the function as uncertain rather than the role itself.

dualistic function

Highlights the function having two distinct and often opposing aspects.

unclear responsibility

Focuses on the lack of clarity in the responsibilities associated with the role.

multi-faceted role

This alternative refers to the role that has many different aspects. "Ambivalent" implies conflicting feelings; "multifaceted" does not.

complex part

Replaces both "ambivalent" and "role" with simpler terms, focusing on the complicated nature of the part played.

FAQs

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

You can use "ambivalent role" to describe a situation where someone or something has conflicting responsibilities or evokes mixed feelings. For example, "Technology plays an "ambivalent role" in modern society, connecting people while simultaneously isolating them".

What's the difference between "ambivalent role" and "mixed role"?

"Ambivalent role" suggests a conflict or tension between opposing aspects, while "mixed role" simply indicates a combination of different elements without necessarily implying a conflict.

What are some synonyms for "ambivalent role"?

Alternatives to "ambivalent role" include "equivocal role", "paradoxical role", or "conflicting role", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say someone has an "ambivalent role", or should I use a different phrasing?

It is perfectly correct to say someone has an "ambivalent role", especially when that person's position or function involves contradictory duties or elicits mixed emotions. Just ensure the context makes the conflicting nature clear.