What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
ambivalent
Example
She felt ambivalent about accepting the job offer since it meant moving away from her family. [ambivalent: adjective]
Example
He was ambivalent about the new policy and couldn't decide whether to support it or not. [ambivalent: adjective]
hesitant
Example
She was hesitant to try the new restaurant since she had heard mixed reviews. [hesitant: adjective]
Example
He was hesitant to ask for a raise, fearing it might jeopardize his job. [hesitant: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Hesitant is more commonly used than ambivalent in everyday language. Hesitant is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while ambivalent is less common and refers to a specific type of uncertainty.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between ambivalent and hesitant?
Both ambivalent and hesitant can be used in formal or informal contexts. However, ambivalent can have a slightly more formal tone due to its less frequent usage.
