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View synonyms for ambivalence

ambivalence

[ am-biv-uh-luhns ]

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.


ambivalence

/ æmˈbɪvələns /

noun

  1. the simultaneous existence of two opposed and conflicting attitudes, emotions, etc
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012


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Derived Forms

  • amˈbivalent, adjective
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Other Words From

  • am·biva·lent adjective
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Word History and Origins

Origin of ambivalence1

First recorded in 1910–15; ambi- + valence
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Example Sentences

One is that besides the workers and businesses that serve the industry, there’s a certain ambivalence among residents about the Convention Center and the tourism sector as a whole.

The FDA approved LYMErix in 1998, but with a great deal of ambivalence.

From Time

She has expressed much ambivalence over the years but never officially ruled it out.

As years have passed, my desire for a family has only grown, but hers has diminished while her ambivalence increased.

Despite a nice conversation, “there is a little bit of ambivalence or apathy after the initial date,” Shiri said, unable to pinpoint the reasons.

But there is much ambivalence between her bright colors and sharp lines.

The ambivalence is reflected in U.S. policy, which often has served to complicate aid delivery in conflict zones.

A strong note of ambivalence is also present in the conflict over love and duty between Gromov and his wife.

All parties display ambivalence, all the characters lie to themselves, everyone has someone else they blame.

The see-sawing ambivalence neatly reflects how badly and misguidedly politicians and political parties approach women.

But now also the psychological fatality of ambivalence demands its rights.

Once again he was conscious of a strange ambivalence in his attitude.

With the decline of this ambivalence the taboo, as the compromise symptom of the ambivalent conflict, also slowly disappeared.

He remembers this leading to an intense relationship that he looks back upon with a disturbing ambivalence.

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