Is ambivalent a formal word?

Yes, it is fairly formal and common in writing, including academic English.

What is the difference between ambivalent and indifferent?

Ambivalent means you have mixed feelings. Indifferent means you do not care.

Can I say "ambivalent about"?

Yes. This is the most common pattern: "ambivalent about something."

Is ambivalent used in IELTS writing?

Yes. It is useful in academic and opinion writing when showing mixed feelings.

← Dictionary

ambivalent

/ˌæm.bɪˈvæl.ənt/

IELTSAcademic

adjective

Having mixed feelings about something. You may feel both positive and negative at the same time, so you cannot decide clearly.

She felt ambivalent about moving abroad.
I'm ambivalent about that job offer.
His answer sounded ambivalent.

Adinary Nuance

Ambivalent is not the same as indifferent. If you are ambivalent, you have two opposite feelings; if you are indifferent, you do not care much. It is also stronger and more specific than just saying you are "unsure."

In other languages

Vietnamese: mâu thuẫn
Spanish: ambivalente
Chinese: 矛盾的
Japanese: 両義的な
Korean: 양가적인

Etymology

It comes from German Ambivalenz, from Latin ambi- meaning "both" and valere meaning "to be strong". The word entered English in the early 1900s.

Common phrases

feel ambivalent aboutambivalent feelingsambivalent attitude

Synonyms

torn uncertain conflicted

Related words

indifferent hesitant mixed feelings

Frequently asked questions

Is ambivalent a formal word?: Yes, it is fairly formal and common in writing, including academic English.
What is the difference between ambivalent and indifferent?: Ambivalent means you have mixed feelings. Indifferent means you do not care.
Can I say "ambivalent about"?: Yes. This is the most common pattern: "ambivalent about something."
Is ambivalent used in IELTS writing?: Yes. It is useful in academic and opinion writing when showing mixed feelings.