Definition of ambivalent

Short definition: The word ambivalent means having two different and often opposite feelings about the same person, situation, or decision. People use it to describe moments when they feel unsure because they both like and dislike something at the same time.

Looking for a clear and natural explanation of the word ambivalent? The word ambivalent is often used when someone has mixed feelings about something or someone. It describes a state where you feel both positive and negative emotions at the same time, making it hard to choose or decide. This word appears a lot in conversations about emotions, relationships, and decisions that are not simple or clear-cut. Below, each meaning is explained in a calm and natural way, so it feels human, relatable, and easy to understand.

Forms: ambivalent
Related: ambivalence n.
Syllable: am-biv-a-lent

1. Having mixed feelings about something.

   When someone feels ambivalent, they experience two opposite emotions at the same time. For example, they may feel excited but also nervous, happy but also sad, or interested but also unsure. This usually happens when a situation has both good and bad sides, making emotions feel confusing.

   She felt ambivalent about moving to a new city.
   He was ambivalent about accepting the job offer.
   They felt ambivalent when the project finally ended.

   Synonyms: conflicted, unsure, mixed, torn, uncertain, divided, hesitant, doubtful, undecided, wavering, two-minded, emotionally split
   Antonyms: certain, confident, sure, decisive, clear-minded, determined, firm, resolved, committed, wholehearted, single-minded, convinced

2. Feeling unsure when making a decision.

   Ambivalent can also describe the mental state of not knowing which choice to make. A person may see good reasons on both sides, which makes them hesitate and delay their decision. This meaning focuses more on action and choice, not just emotion.

   He remained ambivalent about whether to stay or leave.
   She felt ambivalent before signing the contract.
   The team was ambivalent about changing the plan.

   Synonyms: indecisive, hesitant, unsure-minded, doubtful, wavering, uncertain, torn between choices, on the fence, conflicted, undecided, double-minded, hesitant-minded
   Antonyms: decisive, certain, confident, sure-footed, determined, firm-minded, resolved, committed, clear about choices, settled, strong-willed, assured

3. Showing both interest and resistance at the same time.

   Sometimes ambivalent describes how people react when they want something but also fear it. They may move forward and pull back at the same time, creating mixed signals in their behavior. This meaning is often used when talking about relationships or big life changes.

   She was ambivalent about starting a new relationship.
   He felt ambivalent about becoming a manager.
   They were ambivalent about returning to their hometown.

   Synonyms: conflicted-hearted, mixed-emotioned, torn inside, emotionally divided, unsure-feeling, hesitant-hearted, double-feeling, wavering inside, two-sided feeling, uncertain-hearted, split-minded, torn-feeling
   Antonyms: enthusiastic, eager, confident, wholehearted, excited, committed, passionate, fully supportive, determined, positive-minded, sure-hearted, willing

4. A neutral or unclear attitude toward something.

   Ambivalent can also describe an attitude that is not clearly for or against something. Instead of strong support or strong dislike, the person stays somewhere in the middle. This often happens when someone does not feel deeply connected to the issue.

   He seemed ambivalent about the new company policy.
   She stayed ambivalent during the discussion.
   The public felt ambivalent about the new rule.

   Synonyms: neutral, indifferent, unsure, half-interested, emotionally distant, middle-ground, undecided-feeling, lukewarm, not fully convinced, mixed-attitude, unclear stance, balanced feeling
   Antonyms: supportive, opposed, passionate, strongly for, strongly against, committed, opinionated, firm stance, enthusiastic, engaged, clear position, strong attitude

5. A word that describes emotional complexity.

   In psychology and everyday talk, ambivalent shows how complex human emotions can be. People are not always fully happy or fully sad, fully sure or fully unsure. This word reminds us that mixed feelings are a normal part of being human.

   His reaction was ambivalent, full of both hope and doubt.
   She felt ambivalent even after hearing the good news.
   They described their emotions as deeply ambivalent.

   Synonyms: emotionally complex, mixed-hearted, two-sided emotion, conflicted feeling, dual emotion, emotional contradiction, inner conflict, mixed response, emotional tension, double emotion, uncertain feeling, emotional mix
   Antonyms: emotional clarity, clear feeling, simple emotion, single emotion, emotional certainty, firm feeling, confident emotion, settled heart, steady feeling, clear emotional state, emotional focus, sure emotion