ambivalent

UK: æmˈbɪv.əl.ənt | US: æmˈbɪv.əl.ənt

Definition

  1. adj. having mixed feelings or contradictory ideas about something or someone.

Structure
ambi <both>val <strength/worth>ent <adjective suffix>
Etymology

The word "ambivalent" originates from early 20th-century psychology, combining the Latin prefix ambi- (meaning "both") and the root valere (meaning "to be strong" or "to be worth"). The suffix -ent turns it into an adjective. The term reflects the tension between opposing emotional forces (e.g., love and hate) coexisting in one person.

Examples

  1. She felt ambivalent about accepting the job offer—excited but nervous.

  2. His ambivalent attitude toward the project confused the team.

  3. Many voters remain ambivalent about the new policy.

  4. The novel’s protagonist is ambivalent toward his family’s expectations.

  5. Climate change discussions often leave people feeling ambivalent due to conflicting information.