单词 | ambivalent |
释义 | ambivalent (once / 7954 pages) adj If you can't decide how you feel about something, declare yourself ambivalent about it. Ambivalent means "having mixed feelings about something." A Swiss psychologist named Eugen Bleuler coined the German word Ambivalenz in the early twentieth century, and it was soon imported into English. Bleuler combined the Latin prefix ambi-, meaning "both," with valentia, "strength." So etymologically speaking, if you're ambivalent you're being pulled by two equally strong things — but in practice, ambivalence often arises from caring very little either way. You might feel ambivalent about your lunch options if you have to choose between a murky stew and flavorless tofu. WORD FAMILYambivalent: ambivalence, ambivalency, ambivalently+/ambivalence: ambivalences USAGE EXAMPLESIt’s not a heartless portrayal, but it’s an ambivalent one. New York Times(Dec 29, 2016) This Apollo performance was something of a comeback, but an ambivalent one. New York Times(Dec 22, 2016) Some who addressed the San Francisco library commission were ambivalent about the plan, including Librarians Guild representative Melissa Riley. Los Angeles Times(Dec 20, 2016) adj uncertain or unable to decide about what course to follow was ambivalent about having children Syn incertain, uncertain, unsure lacking or indicating lack of confidence or assurance |
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