ambivalent
having mixed or opposing feelings
Roots
- ambi-: both, around, or two-sided
- val / valent: strong, worthy, or having force
Other words with the ambi- root
- ambidextrous: able to use both hands skillfully
- ambiguous: open to more than one interpretation
Other words with the val / valent root
- convalescent: recovering strength after illness
- valid: well-grounded, acceptable, or legally effective
- valor: courage or brave strength
- value: worth or importance
Ambivalent emotion has two forces at once: yes and no both have weight.
She felt ambivalent about the promotion because it brought money and less freedom.
Ambi gives both. Val gives force, strength, or worth. Ambivalent is not indifference; it is two feelings with force, pulling in different directions.