ambivalent
Having mixed or contradictory feelings about something
Examples
In a meeting
“The team seems ambivalent about the new policy—some like it, others don't.”
Over coffee
“I'm ambivalent about going to the reunion; part of me wants to, part of me doesn't.”
Why this word
uncertain
Uncertain suggests lack of knowledge or confidence, while ambivalent means simultaneously holding two conflicting feelings or views
unsure
Unsure implies not having decided, while ambivalent means experiencing opposing emotions at the same time
conflicted
Conflicted suggests internal struggle, while ambivalent specifically denotes coexisting positive and negative attitudes
Usage tip
Describes genuine internal conflict, not mere indifference or not caring
Etymology
Latin ambi- (both) + valentia (strength) — having strength in both directions
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Related words
evaluate
To assess or judge the value, quality, or significance of something.
discern
To perceive or recognize a subtle difference or hidden truth.
defer
To postpone something to a later time, or to yield to someone else's judgment.
authorize
To give official permission or approval for something
reconsider
Think about a decision or opinion again with the possibility of changing it
arbitrary
Based on random choice rather than reason or system