Ambivalent

Pronunciation

• RP IPA: /æmˈbɪv.É™.lÉ™nt/

Origin

From ambivalence, from German Ambivalenz, from Latin ambi- ("in two ways") + valeō ("be strong")

Full definition of ambivalent

Adjective

1. Simultaneously experiencing or expressing opposing or contradictory feelings, beliefs, or motivations.
2. Alternately having one opinion or feeling, and then the opposite.

Synonyms

• (simultaneously experiencing or expressing opposing feelings) conflicted, uncertain, undecided, unresolved
• (alternately feeling opposing feelings) vacillating, fluctuating, wavering

Related terms