ambivalence

American  

[am-biv-uh-luhns] / æmˈbɪv ə ləns /

Also ambivalency

noun

1. uncertainty or fluctuation, especially when caused by inability to make a choice or by a simultaneous desire to say or do two opposite or conflicting things.

2. Psychology. the coexistence within an individual of positive and negative feelings toward the same person, object, or action, simultaneously drawing that individual in opposite directions.

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ambivalence British  

/ æmˈbɪvələns /

noun

1. the simultaneous existence of two opposed and conflicting attitudes, emotions, etc

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Other Word Forms

• ambivalent adjective

Etymology

Origin of ambivalence

First recorded in 1910–15; ambi- + valence

Example Sentences

In that environment, power doesn’t encounter firm resistance; it encounters hesitation, fragmentation and cultural ambivalence.

From Salon

Despite his ambivalence to birthdays, the museum, which was co-founded by Fat Mike in 2023, pulled out all the stops for a “this is your life”-style birthday party.

From Los Angeles Times

Patients were left with nowhere to take their ambivalence.

From The Wall Street Journal

While shoppers had greeted him in his old delivery job with anticipation, now as a return worker they hand over packages with a measure of ambivalence and perhaps, relief.

From The Wall Street Journal

But Castro succeeds by zeroing in on the moments away from the spotlight where Quintanilla’s playful personality and vulnerable ambivalence paint her in a new, more humane light.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• doubt
• hesitancy
• hesitation
• indecision
• uncertainty