Ambivalence is a term that is often used in psychology and philosophy to describe the state of having mixed feelings or contradictory thoughts about a particular situation, person or thing. It is a complex emotional state that can be difficult to understand and manage. In this article, we will explore the definition, meaning and origins of ambivalence, as well as its associations, synonyms and antonyms.
Definitions
Ambivalence is defined as the coexistence of two opposing attitudes towards a person, object or situation. It is the feeling of being torn between two conflicting emotions or thoughts, such as love and hate, fear and attraction, or hope and despair. Ambivalence can also refer to the simultaneous presence of positive and negative feelings towards a particular person or thing.
Origin
The term ambivalence was first coined by the Swiss psychiatrist Eugen Bleuler in the early 20th century. Bleuler used the term to describe the emotional state of patients with schizophrenia, who exhibited contradictory thoughts and feelings towards themselves and others. The word ambivalence comes from the Latin words ambi, which means “both” or “around”, and valentia, which means “strength” or “power”.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Oxford English Dictionary, ambivalence is “the state of having mixed feelings or contradictory ideas about something or someone”. Merriam-Webster defines ambivalence as “simultaneous and contradictory attitudes or feelings (such as attraction and repulsion) toward an object, person, or action”. The Cambridge Dictionary defines ambivalence as “the state of having two opposing feelings at the same time, or being uncertain about how you feel”.
Associations
Ambivalence is often associated with indecision, hesitation, and confusion. It can also be linked to anxiety, depression and other mental health issues. Ambivalence can be a normal part of the human experience, but it can also be a sign of deeper emotional or psychological problems.
Synonyms
Some synonyms of ambivalence include: indecision, uncertainty, doubt, hesitation, conflict, contradiction, mixed feelings, and vacillation.
Antonyms
Some antonyms of ambivalence include: certainty, clarity, decisiveness, conviction, confidence, and resolution.
The same root words
The word ambivalent is derived from the same Latin root words as ambivalence. Other words that share this root include ambidextrous, which means “able to use both hands equally well”, and ambience, which refers to the atmosphere or mood of a place.
Example Sentences
- Jane felt ambivalent about her new job, as she was excited to start but also nervous about the challenges ahead.
- John had ambivalent feelings towards his ex-girlfriend, as he still cared for her but also resented her for breaking his heart.
- The politician’s ambivalence towards the controversial issue cost him the support of many voters.
- The artist’s work was characterized by an ambivalence between realism and abstraction.
- Sarah’s ambivalence about her future career path was causing her a lot of stress and anxiety.