ambivalente

ambivalent

adjective ahm-bee-bah-LEN-teh Rare

Origin: From Latin ambi- ('both') + valens ('having value/power').

Usage Note

Ambivalente has a single form for both genders and pluralises as ambivalentes. It describes holding two contradictory feelings or attitudes simultaneously — a psychological and everyday concept. The noun is ambivalencia (f). In Spanish it is most commonly used in emotional and relationship contexts: sentimientos ambivalentes hacia alguien ('ambivalent feelings toward someone'). Do not confuse with ambiguo ('ambiguous'), which refers to meaning rather than emotion.

Examples

"Tengo sentimientos ambivalentes sobre ese trabajo."

Natural Translation

I have ambivalent feelings about that job.

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