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ambivalence

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The definition of ambivalence is a state in which you lack certainty or the ability to make decisions.

(noun)

An example of when someone may be in a state of ambivalence is when someone is sick.

In psychology, ambivalence is defined as the mental disharmony or disconnect a person may feel when having both positive and negative feelings regarding the same individual.

(noun)

An example of ambivalence is struggling with whether to invite someone to an event because she has a positive relationship with you but not with the other attendees.

See ambivalence in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun

simultaneous conflicting feelings toward a person or thing, as love and hate

also Chiefly Brit.ambivalency

Origin: ambi- + valence

Related Forms:

ambivalent adjective
ambivalently adverb

See ambivalence in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

The coexistence of opposing attitudes or feelings, such as love and hate, toward a person, object, or idea.
Uncertainty or indecisiveness as to which course to follow.

Origin:

Origin: German Ambivalenz

Origin: : Latin ambi-, ambi-

Origin: + Latin valentia, vigor (from valēns, valent-, present participle of valēre, to be strong; see wal- in Indo-European roots)

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