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, as it meant moving to a new city. [ambivalent: adjective]
Example
He was torn between his loyalty to his friend and his duty to tell the truth, so he felt ambivalent. [ambivalent: adjective]
uncertainty
Example
There is a lot of uncertainty about the future of the company after the merger. [uncertainty: noun]
Example
She approached the interview with uncertainty, not knowing what questions would be asked. [uncertainty: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Uncertainty is more commonly used than ambivalence in everyday language. Uncertainty is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while ambivalence is less common and often used in more specific situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between ambivalence and uncertainty?
Both ambivalence and uncertainty are neutral in terms of formality and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
