ambivalent
Meaning: Having mixed feelings or contradictory ideas about something or someone, being unable to decide between two opposing positions.
Ambivalent describes the simultaneous holding of conflicting emotions or attitudes — not indifference, but active tension between opposing feelings. You can be ambivalent about a job offer (excited but anxious), a relationship (loving but resentful), or a policy (seeing both merits and flaws). It should not be confused with 'indifferent,' which implies a lack of feeling. The noun 'ambivalence' is equally common. The word is particularly useful in psychology, literary criticism, and nuanced political commentary.
Examples
- Many voters felt deeply ambivalent about the referendum, seeing valid arguments on both sides. 许多选民对公投感到深深的矛盾,认为双方的论点都有道理。Muchos votantes se sintieron profundamente ambivalentes respecto al referéndum, viendo argumentos válidos en ambos bandos.多くの有権者は国民投票について深く葛藤を抱え、両方の側に妥当な論拠があると感じていました。많은 유권자들이 국민투표에 대해 깊은 갈등을 느끼며 양쪽 모두에 타당한 논거가 있다고 생각했다.
- She was ambivalent about accepting the promotion, knowing it would mean longer hours and less time with her family. 她对是否接受晋升感到矛盾,因为她知道这意味着更长的工作时间和更少的家庭时光。Estaba ambivalente sobre aceptar el ascenso, sabiendo que supondría más horas de trabajo y menos tiempo con su familia.彼女は昇進を受けるかどうか迷っていました。より長い勤務時間と家族との時間の減少を意味することを理解していたからです。그녀는 승진을 수락할지 갈등했는데, 근무 시간이 늘어나고 가족과의 시간이 줄어들 것을 알고 있었기 때문이다.
- The novel explores the protagonist's ambivalent relationship with her homeland — longing and resentment in equal measure. 这部小说探讨了主人公与故土之间矛盾的关系——渴望与怨恨并存。La novela explora la relación ambivalente de la protagonista con su tierra natal: anhelo y resentimiento a partes iguales.その小説は主人公と母国との間の両義的な関係——憧れと恨みが同じだけ存在する関係——を描いています。그 소설은 주인공과 조국 사이의 양가적 관계—동경과 원망이 같은 만큼 공존하는 관계—를 탐구한다.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: academic, media, professional
Tone: neutral
Origin & History
Coined in 1910 by Swiss psychiatrist Eugen Bleuler, from Latin ambi- (both, on both sides) and valentia (strength, vigour), from valere (to be strong). Originally a psychological term that quickly entered general usage.
Cultural Context
Era: Modern
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
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