ambivalence

noun

am·​biv·​a·​lence am-ˈbi-və-lən(t)s How to pronounce ambivalence (audio)
1
: simultaneous and contradictory attitudes or feelings (such as attraction and repulsion) toward an object, person, or action
felt ambivalence toward his powerful father
ambivalence toward marriage
2
a
: continual fluctuation (as between one thing and its opposite)
b
: uncertainty as to which approach to follow
ambivalence about their goals

Examples of ambivalence in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web His ambivalence reads as honesty, or at least a disarming reprieve from smarm. TIME, 23 Feb. 2024 In this engaging book, a journalist and historian born in East Germany re-creates the ambivalence of life in the German Democratic Republic. Katja Hoyer, Foreign Affairs, 20 Feb. 2024 Rob begins to wonder about the truth of his father’s testimony, and Will grounds his character’s growing doubt in an authentic ambivalence. Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 22 Jan. 2024 Its true prescience, though, lay in its ambivalence. Megan Garber, The Atlantic, 17 Jan. 2024 But what's the real cost of this ambivalence toward work? Melissa Houston, Forbes, 23 Feb. 2024 The ambivalence is shared by residents who, while historically dependent on tourism (West Maui accounts for 15% of Hawaiian tourism revenue), believe the rebuilding process provides a rare opportunity to address overtourism, environmental degradation, and economic imbalance. Crai S. Bower, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 Feb. 2024 But Russia’s ability to improve its logistics and fighting in recent months is, in part, a result of NATO’s ambivalence. Alina Polyakova, Foreign Affairs, 1 Feb. 2024 The novel had none of the ambivalence that hedges so many discussions about Israel today, even the friendly ones. Judith Shulevitz, The Atlantic, 30 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'ambivalence.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from German Ambivalenz, from ambi- ambi- + -valenz, in Äquivalenz equivalence

Note: See note at ambivalent.

First Known Use

1909, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of ambivalence was in 1909

Dictionary Entries Near ambivalence

Cite this Entry

“Ambivalence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ambivalence. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

ambivalence

noun
am·​biv·​a·​lence am-ˈbiv-ə-lən(t)s How to pronounce ambivalence (audio)
: simultaneous and contradictory attitudes or feelings (as attraction and repulsion) toward an object, person, or action
ambivalence which is expressed in behavior by alternating obedience and rebellionG. S. Blum
ambivalent adjective
ambivalently adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on ambivalence

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