What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
ambivalence
Example
She felt ambivalent about the job offer because it required her to move away from her family. [ambivalent: adjective]
Example
I have an ambivalent attitude towards social media. [ambivalent: noun]
doubt
Example
I doubt that he will come to the party since he hasn't responded to my invitation. [doubt: verb]
Example
She had doubts about the accuracy of the report. [doubts: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Doubt is more commonly used than ambivalence in everyday language. Doubt is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while ambivalence is less common and refers to a specific state of conflicting emotions or opinions.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between ambivalence and doubt?
Both ambivalence and doubt can be used in formal and informal contexts. However, ambivalence may be more associated with academic or professional settings due to its specificity and complexity.