Which word means having mixed or conflicting emotions? (alternate phrasing)

Which word means having mixed or conflicting emotions? (alternate phrasing)

• A. Certain
• B. Clear
• C. Ambivalent
• D. Resolute

Answer: (C)

Ambivalence is the state of having mixed or conflicting emotions about something. Ambivalent describes a person who feels both positive and negative emotions at once or who can’t decide because of opposing feelings. This captures the idea of not being fully for or against something. For memory: ambi- means both, and -valent relates to value or strength, helping you recall that ambivalent combines two opposite feelings. Example: You might feel ambivalent about taking a new job because the salary is good but the commute is long. Why the others don’t fit as well: certain means being sure or definite; clear means easy to understand or obvious; resolute means determined and unwavering. None of those convey the mixed or conflicting emotions that ambivalent does.

Ambivalence is the state of having mixed or conflicting emotions about something. Ambivalent describes a person who feels both positive and negative emotions at once or who can’t decide because of opposing feelings. This captures the idea of not being fully for or against something.

For memory: ambi- means both, and -valent relates to value or strength, helping you recall that ambivalent combines two opposite feelings.

Example: You might feel ambivalent about taking a new job because the salary is good but the commute is long.

Why the others don’t fit as well: certain means being sure or definite; clear means easy to understand or obvious; resolute means determined and unwavering. None of those convey the mixed or conflicting emotions that ambivalent does.