Question

Ambivalence

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Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionaryam·biv·a·lence \am-ˈbi-və-lən(t)s\ noun ETYMOLOGY International Scientific Vocabulary DATE 1918 1. simultaneous and contradictory attitudes or feelings (as attraction and repulsion) toward an object, person, or action2. a. continual fluctuation (as between one thing and its opposite) b. uncertainty as to which approach to follow• am·biv·a·lent \-lənt\ adjective• am·biv·a·lent·ly adverb English Etymologyambivalence "simultaneous conflicting feelings," 1924, from Ger. Ambivalenz, coined 1910 by Swiss psychologist Eugen Bleuler (18571939) on model of Ger. Equivalenz "equivalence," etc., from L. ambi- "both" (see ambi-) + valentia "strength," from prp. of valere "be strong" (see valiant). A psychological term that by 1929 had taken on a broader literary and general sense. Oxford Collocations Dictionary for Students of EnglishOxford Collocations dictionary for students of Englishambivalence noun VERB + AMBIVALENCE feel | express, show The document expressed some ambivalence over the doctrine of predestination. PREP. with ~ She viewed her daughter's education with ambivalence. | ~ about their ambivalence about supporting the government | ~ over his ambivalence over money | ~ towards She felt a certain ambivalence towards him. Webster's Third New International Dictionary, Unabridgedam·biv·a·lence\amˈbivələn(t)s, aam-\ nounalso am·biv·a·len·cy \-nsē, -si\(plural ambivalences also ambivalencies)Etymology: International Scientific Vocabulary ambi- + valence, valency; originally formed as German ambivalenz1. : contradictory emotional or psychological attitudes especially toward a particular person or object and often with one attitude inhibiting the expression of another < a heightened ambivalence which is expressed in behavior by alternating obedience and rebellion, followed by self-reproach — G.S.Blum >specifically : simultaneous attraction toward and repulsion from an object, person, or action < Apache ambivalence in attitude and behavior toward death — C.K.Kluckhohn >2. a. : continual oscillation (as between one thing and its opposite) : fluctuation < Thackeray's major novels are vitiated by an ambivalence between satire and sentimentalism — J.L.Davis > b. : uncertainty as to which approach, attitude, or treatment to follow < the English film … because of a nervous ambivalence toward its subject matter … fails to produce the chuckles — John McCarten >

Ambivalence From Am·Biv·A·Lence Noun International Scientific Simultaneous Attitudes