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
His ambivalence towards the party made it difficult for him to decide whether to attend or not. [ambivalence: noun]
hesitation
Example
She hesitated before jumping into the pool because she was afraid of the cold water. [hesitated: verb]
Example
His hesitation to speak up during the meeting made it seem like he didn't have anything to contribute. [hesitation: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Hesitation is more commonly used than ambivalence in everyday language. Hesitation is a more straightforward and common word, while ambivalence is a more complex and nuanced term that is less frequently used.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between ambivalence and hesitation?
Both ambivalence and hesitation can be used in formal and informal contexts. However, ambivalence may be more commonly used in academic or professional settings where a more precise and nuanced vocabulary is expected.
