What does ambivalently mean?
“Ambivalently” is an adverb meaning with mixed or contradictory feelings and attitudes. It describes someone who simultaneously experiences opposing responses, such as interest and distrust, admiration and disappointment, or enthusiasm and concern. The word is often used with verbs such as “feel,” “react,” “respond,” and “view” to show that a person is genuinely divided rather than simply lacking information or making a temporary pause. Its connotation is thoughtful and nuanced, suggesting emotional complexity rather than indecision in the sense of poor judgment. The adverb is based on the adjective “ambivalent,” which in turn comes from the noun “ambivalence.” Although “ambivalently” can describe ordinary reactions in conversation, it is especially common in formal commentary about politics, literature, art, negotiation, and personal decisions. It is useful whenever a clear one-sided description would conceal the coexistence of conflicting feelings.
adverbIn a way that expresses mixed or contradictory feelings, attitudes, or reactions. It describes a response in which opposing emotions or judgments coexist rather than resolving clearly in favor of one side.
- With mixed or contradictory feelings, attitudes, or reactions toward something.
"She viewed the proposal ambivalently, admiring its ambition while doubting its practicality."
"The committee responded ambivalently to the proposal, recognizing its potential while remaining concerned about its cost."
"He spoke ambivalently about the promotion, praising the salary without committing himself to accepting it."
Ambivalently names the complicated state of being torn between two sides without pretending the tension is simple.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does ambivalently come from?
“Ambivalently” was formed in English from the adjective “ambivalent,” a 19th-century term meaning having mixed feelings. Its elements come from Latin “ambi-,” meaning “both,” and “valere,” meaning “to be strong” or “to be worth,” reflecting the idea of two competing valuations or tendencies. Its root is related to words such as “valence,” “valency,” “valiant,” and “equivalence,” which also trace their meanings through Latin forms associated with value or strength.
Related word forms
How ambivalently is actually used
The word is formal and commonly used in discussion of emotions, attitudes, reactions, and judgments. It is especially useful when both positive and negative responses are present at the same time, rather than when a person is merely uncertain about a fact.
Easily confused with ambivalently
“Ambivalent” is an adjective describing a person, feeling, or attitude, whereas “ambivalently” is an adverb describing how someone acts or feels.