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Wordabulary

ambivalent

Pronunciation
Adjective B2 Upper-intermediate

Quick answer

Having mixed or contradictory feelings about something.

"He felt ambivalent about the promotion, excited about the pay but dreading the extra hours."

Synonyms and antonyms

Synonyms

conflicted uncertain

Antonyms

decisive certain

Usage notes

"Ambivalent" means having two conflicting feelings at once, not simply "indifferent" or "unsure", a common misuse.

Test yourself

Which word fits the gap? "He felt _____ about the promotion, excited about the pay but dreading the extra hours."

Answer: ambivalent

In your own words, what does "ambivalent" mean?

Having mixed or contradictory feelings about something.

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