ambivalence Definition
the state of having mixed feelings or contradictory ideas about something or someone.
Using ambivalence: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "ambivalence" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
She felt ambivalence about the job offer because it meant moving to a new city.
Example
He had ambivalence towards his ex-girlfriend, both missing her and feeling relieved that they broke up.
Example
The author's ambivalence towards the main character made the story more complex and interesting.
ambivalence Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for ambivalence
Phrases with ambivalence
a type of attachment style characterized by conflicting emotions towards others, often resulting from inconsistent caregiving during childhood
Example
People with ambivalent attachment may struggle with trust and intimacy in their adult relationships.
a form of sexism that involves holding both positive and negative attitudes towards women, often resulting in patronizing or protective behavior
Example
Ambivalent sexism can manifest in subtle ways, such as assuming women need help with tasks they are perfectly capable of doing themselves.
ambivalent conquests
a term used to describe the Spanish conquest of the Americas, which was marked by both violence and cooperation between the indigenous peoples and the colonizers
Example
The ambivalent conquests of the Americas led to complex cultural exchanges and hybrid identities.
Origins of ambivalence
from German 'Ambivalenz', coined by Swiss psychologist Eugen Bleuler in 1910
Summary: ambivalence in Brief
'Ambivalence' [am-biv-uh-luh ns] refers to the state of having mixed feelings or contradictory ideas about something or someone. It is often characterized by indecision, uncertainty, or hesitation, and can lead to complex and interesting stories or relationships. Phrases like 'ambivalent attachment' and 'ambivalent sexism' use 'ambivalent' to denote conflicting emotions towards others, while 'ambivalent conquests' describes the complex cultural exchanges resulting from the Spanish conquest of the Americas.
