ambivalence
/æmˈbɪvələns/ (bre, ipa) · /æmˈbɪvələns/ (ame, ipa) · /am-ˈbi-və-lən(t)s/ (ame, mw)
ambivalence — 名詞
1. a state in which the same person, thing, or decision pulls your emotions in oppo
矛盾心理
同時有相反感受，態度搖擺
a state in which the same person, thing, or decision pulls your emotions in opposite directions, leaving you without one settled attitude
Theo felt ambivalence about leaving Seoul for a better-paid job.
Theo 對離開首爾去做薪水更高的工作有矛盾心理。
ambivalence about + -ing for conflicting feelings about a choice
Public ambivalence toward the airport plan was obvious at the meeting.
公眾對機場計畫的矛盾心理在會議上非常明顯。
ambivalence toward + noun phrase for mixed public attitudes
After the offer arrived, Shirin could not hide her ambivalence.
錄取通知到來後，Shirin 無法掩飾自己的矛盾心理。
There was clear ambivalence in Jin's voice when he discussed the merger.
Jin 談到這次合併時，聲音裡明顯帶著矛盾心理。
Elena's ambivalence over moving abroad delayed the family's decision.
Elena 對搬到國外的矛盾心理，讓全家的決定延後了。
- mixed feelings
more informal and everyday; ambivalence is more formal and analytical
- uncertainty
focuses on not being sure, while ambivalence stresses opposing feelings pulling both ways
- indecision
centers on difficulty choosing, not necessarily on simultaneous positive and negative emotions
- hesitation
describes a pause before acting, whereas ambivalence names the conflicting feelings behind it
- certainty
clear confidence without mixed feelings or inner conflict
- conviction
a firm, settled attitude rather than a divided one
文法句型
feel ambivalence about/over/toward(s) + noun phrase
ambivalence about + -ing
ambivalence in + voice/attitude/response
用法筆記
Ambivalence is usually followed by about, over, toward, or towards to name the person, plan, or action causing the mixed feelings. It often appears in formal discussion and suggests that both sides of the feeling are present at the same time, not simply that no decision has been made yet.