ambivalent
UK[æmˈbɪv.əl.ənt]US[æmˈbɪv.əl.ənt]
adj
Having two opposing feelings at the same time, or being uncertain about how you feel.
adj
Simultaneously holding contradictory attitudes or feelings (as attraction and repulsion) towards an object, person, or action.
Morpheme Breakdown
ambi
valent
ambi
both
valent
strength/value
Etymology
The word 'ambivalent' is a modern psychological term constructed from classical components. It combines the Latin prefix 'ambi-', meaning "both" or "around," with the present participle stem 'valent-' from the Latin verb 'valere,' meaning "to be strong, to be worth." Literally, it suggests "having strength on both sides." This etymological logic was adopted into early 20th-century psychoanalytic German as 'Ambivalenz' to describe the coexistence of opposing emotional forces, such as love and hate, towards a single object. The term was then borrowed into English, retaining this core sense of being powerfully pulled in two contradictory directions, which evolved into our modern understanding of mixed feelings or uncertainty.
Analysis
Structure: ambi (both) + valent (strength/value)
ambi (Latin, meaning "both" or "on both sides"), valent (from Latin valent-, stem of valens, meaning "strong, powerful, having worth").
Examples
She felt ambivalent about the job offer; it was a great opportunity but would require moving away from her family.
His ambivalent attitude towards the project made it difficult for the team to proceed with confidence.
Many voters are ambivalent, seeing merits and flaws in both candidates.