Words / C1

am-BIV-uh-l-uh-nt/æmˈbɪvələnt/

Ambivalent means pulled in two directions — mixed feelings, not apathy. Unsure is everyday and weaker; torn is the spoken cousin. You are ambivalent about a choice, or ambivalent towards a person, and ambivalence is the noun. Do not use it for simple dislike, and do not confuse it with ambiguous (unclear meaning) — in conversation, I have mixed feelings is the natural line.

Meaning

Having mixed feelings; not sure whether you like something or not.

Examples

• “She felt ambivalent about leaving the course.”
• “She is ambivalent about promotion: more pay, less teaching.”
• “Voters were ambivalent towards the reform, not openly hostile.”

Good to know

ambivalent about / towards. Mixed feelings, not indifference. Contrast: ambiguous = unclear. Everyday: torn / mixed feelings.

Near in meaning

torn

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