ambivalence

noun

am·​biv·​a·​lence am-ˈbi-və-lən(t)s 

1

: simultaneous and contradictory attitudes or feelings (such as attraction and repulsion) toward an object, person, or action

felt ambivalence toward his powerful father

ambivalence toward marriage

2

a

: continual fluctuation (as between one thing and its opposite)

b

: uncertainty as to which approach to follow

ambivalence about their goals

Examples of ambivalence in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

That might explain his ambivalence toward his captivity. —David Axe, Forbes, 18 Sep. 2024

There’s a real ambivalence about Ant killing Paddy. —Selena Kuznikov, Variety, 14 Sep. 2024

What’s more, the emphasis on criminal justice, even if it’s meted out by tribal authorities, was met with some ambivalence by the community. —Rachel Monroe, The New Yorker, 5 Aug. 2024

In its wake, films expressing ambivalence — or even outright hostility — about childbearing have gone from taboo to a subgenre unto themselves. —Katie Rife, IndieWire, 8 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from German Ambivalenz, from ambi- ambi- + -valenz, in Äquivalenz equivalence

Note: See note at ambivalent.

First Known Use

1909, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Medical Definition

ambivalence

noun

am·​biv·​a·​lence am-ˈbiv-ə-lən(t)s 

: simultaneous and contradictory attitudes or feelings (as attraction and repulsion) toward an object, person, or action

ambivalence which is expressed in behavior by alternating obedience and rebellion

—G. S. Blum

ambivalent

-lənt 

adjective

ambivalently adverb