Conclusion
Ambivalent feelings are a common experience that many people face in their daily lives. It refers to having mixed emotions, where one feels both positive and negative feelings towards a particular person, situation, or thing. Ambivalent feelings can be confusing and challenging to manage, especially when the emotions are intense.
In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of ambivalent feelings, their origins, and various associations, synonyms, and antonyms.
Definitions
Ambivalent feelings refer to the simultaneous presence of both positive and negative emotions towards a particular person, situation, or thing. It is a state of mind where one feels both love and hate, joy and sadness, or hope and despair.
Psychologists define ambivalent feelings as a complex emotional state where one experiences conflicting emotions towards a particular object or person. It is a common experience that people face in their daily lives, and it can be challenging to manage.
Origin
The term ‘ambivalent’ comes from the Latin words ‘ambi’ and ‘valere,’ which means ‘both’ and ‘to be strong.’ The term was first used in the early 20th century by Swiss psychologist Eugen Bleuler, who coined the term to describe the emotional state of patients with schizophrenia.
Since then, the term has been widely used in psychology and other fields to describe the complex emotional state of individuals.
Meaning in different dictionaries
The Oxford English Dictionary defines ambivalent feelings as “having mixed feelings or contradictory ideas about something or someone.”
The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines ambivalent feelings as “simultaneous and contradictory attitudes or feelings towards an object, person, or action.”
Associations
Ambivalent feelings are associated with a range of emotions, including love and hate, joy and sadness, hope and despair, and others. It is a complex emotional state that can lead to confusion and indecision.
Ambivalent feelings are also associated with various psychological disorders, including anxiety, depression, and personality disorders.
Synonyms
Some of the synonyms of ambivalent feelings include:
- Conflicted.
- Mixed emotions.
- Contradictory feelings.
- Uncertainty.
- Indecision.
- Dichotomous.
Antonyms
Some of the antonyms of ambivalent feelings include:
- Clear.
- Certain.
- Decisive.
- Confident.
- Unambiguous.
- Resolute.
The same root words
Some of the words that have the same root as ambivalent feelings include:
- Ambivalence.
- Ambiguity.
- Ambidextrous.
- Ambience.
- Ambient.
Example Sentences
- She had ambivalent feelings towards her ex-boyfriend; she loved him, but she also hated him for cheating on her.
- The politician’s speech left the audience with ambivalent feelings; some agreed with his message, while others disagreed.
- The patient’s ambivalent feelings towards her therapist made it difficult for her to trust him.
In conclusion, ambivalent feelings are a common experience that many people face in their daily lives. It refers to the simultaneous presence of both positive and negative emotions towards a particular person, situation, or thing. Ambivalent feelings can be confusing and challenging to manage, but understanding their definition, meaning, and associations can help individuals cope with them better.