ambivalence in English
- ambivalence⇄ambivalence, noun.
the state or condition of having conflicting attitudes or feelings, as love and hate, about the same person at the same time.
ambivalence in Gujarati ગુજરાતી
ambivalence in Hindi हिन्दी
ambivalence in Nepali नेपाली
ambivalence in Tamil தமிழ்
Ambivalence
Part of Speech
Noun
Pronunciation
/æmˈbɪvələns/
Definitions
- The state of having mixed feelings or contradictory ideas about something or someone.
- The presence of opposing or conflicting emotions or attitudes towards a person, object, or situation.
- A psychological condition where a person experiences uncertainty or indecisiveness regarding a choice or course of action.
Usage Examples
- She felt ambivalence towards moving to a new city, torn between excitement and apprehension.
- The ambivalence he experienced about his job made it hard to stay motivated.
- His ambivalence about the relationship led to prolonged indecision.
Etymology
The word 'ambivalence' originates from the Latin word 'ambivalens,' meaning 'having conflicting feelings.' It is a combination of 'ambi-' meaning 'both' and 'valere' meaning 'to be strong.' The term was first coined in the early 20th century by the psychologist Eugen Bleuler to describe the presence of conflicting emotions or desires within the same individual.
Synonyms
- Conflicted
- Uncertain
- Indecisive
- Mixed
- Hesitant
Antonyms
- Decisive
- Clear-cut
- Resolute
- Determined
- Confident
Translations
| Language | Translation | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| English | Ambivalence | /æmˈbɪvələns/ |
| Spanish | Ambivalencia | /am-bi-βaˈlenθja/ |
| French | Ambivalence | /ɑ̃.bi.va.lɑ̃s/ |
| German | Ambivalenz | /ambɪvaˈlɛnts/ |
| Italian | Ambivalenza | /ambi.vaˈlɛntsa/ |
| Portuguese | Ambivalência | /ã.bi.vaˈlẽ.sjɐ/ |
| Russian | Амбивалентность | /æmbɪvɐˈlʲentnəsʲtʲ/ |
| Chinese | 矛盾心理 | /máo dùn xīn lǐ/ |
| Hindi | विरोधाभास | /virodhābhās/ |
| Arabic | التردد | /al-taraddud/ |
| Bengali | বিরোধ | /birodh/ |
| Urdu | مخالفت | /mukhalifat/ |
| Japanese | 相反する感情 | /sōhan suru kanjō/ |
| Korean | 모순된 감정 | /mosundwaen gamjeong/ |
| Polish | Ambiwalencja | /ambiwalɛnʦja/ |
| Turkish | Çelişki | /tʃɛˈlɪʃki/ |
| Swedish | Ambivalens | /ambɪvaˈlɛns/ |
| Greek | Αμφιβολία | /amfiˈvɔlia/ |
| Thai | ความคลุมเครือ | /khwām khlumkhreu/ |
| Finnish | Ambivalenssi | /ˈambivɑlensi/ |
Regional Pronunciation Variations
- British English: /æmˈbɪvələns/
- American English: /æmˈbɪvələns/
- Australian English: /æmˈbɪvələns/
Historical Usage
The term 'ambivalence' was coined by Swiss psychiatrist Eugen Bleuler in the early 20th century to describe the coexistence of opposing feelings towards the same object, person, or situation. Originally a psychological concept, the term gradually became more widely used in general language to describe internal conflict or indecision. It has been used in various contexts, particularly in philosophy and psychology, to reflect the complexity of human emotions and decision-making.
Cultural Nuances
In some cultures, ambivalence is viewed as a sign of weakness or indecisiveness, while in others, it can reflect a healthy level of introspection and emotional depth. In societies that value decisiveness and strong leadership, individuals exhibiting ambivalence may be perceived negatively. However, in cultures that emphasize balance and reflection, ambivalence can be seen as a natural response to the complexities of life, representing the individual's struggle to make decisions in a world full of uncertainty.
More Information
Ambivalence plays a significant role in the emotional and psychological experience of many individuals. It can arise from complex situations where there are no clear or easy answers, leading to emotional turmoil and indecision. While it may be uncomfortable, ambivalence is often seen as a necessary part of human growth, as it forces individuals to confront their internal conflicts and work through them. Understanding and accepting ambivalence can help individuals navigate the complexities of life and make more informed, balanced decisions.