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Definition of ambivalent

ambivalent

/æmˈbɪv.ə.lənt/
am · biv · a · lent
Adverb:ambivalently
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ambivalent Lexical Profile

ambivalent Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Having mixed feelings or contradictory ideas about something or someone.

Example

"Many citizens remain ambivalent about the proposed urban development project, recognizing its economic benefits while fearing the loss of green space."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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Word Nuance & Usage

Often confused with 'indifferent'; whereas 'indifferent' indicates a lack of care or interest, 'ambivalent' refers to having strong, simultaneously conflicting feelings about something.

• Rhymes for ambivalent

• Nearby Words

ambitiously
ambitiousness
ambivalence
ambivalent
ambivalently
ambivert
amble

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the early 20th century by Swiss psychiatrist Eugen Bleuler as German 'ambivalent', formed from the Latin prefix 'ambi-' (both) and 'valentia' (strength, capacity, from 'valere', to be strong).

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Ambivalent. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/ambivalent
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