Ambiguous vs. Ambivalent — What's the Difference?
Difference Between Ambiguous and Ambivalent
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Definitions
Ambiguous
Open to more than one interpretation
An ambiguous reply.
Ambivalent
Having mixed feelings or contradictory ideas about something or someone
An ambivalent attitude to Europe
Some loved her, some hated her, few were ambivalent about her
Ambiguous
Doubtful or uncertain
"The theatrical status of her frequently derided but constantly revived plays remained ambiguous" (Frank Rich).
Ambivalent
Exhibiting or feeling ambivalence.
Ambiguous
Open to multiple interpretations.
The politician was criticized for his ambiguous statements and lack of precision.
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Ambivalent
Simultaneously experiencing or expressing opposing or contradictory feelings, beliefs, or motivations.
Ambiguous
Hesitant; uncertain; not taking sides.
Ambivalent
Alternately having one opinion or feeling, and then the opposite.
His feelings toward his parents are ambivalent.
Ambiguous
Doubtful or uncertain, particularly in respect to signification; capable of being understood in either of two or more possible senses; equivocal; as, an ambiguous course; an ambiguous expression.
What have been thy answers? What but dark,Ambiguous, and with double sense deluding?
Ambivalent
Undecided as to whether or not to take a proposed course of action; having feelings both for and against the proposed action.
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Ambiguous
Open to two or more interpretations; or of uncertain nature or significance; or (often) intended to mislead;
An equivocal statement
The polling had a complex and equivocal (or ambiguous) message for potential female candidates
The officer's equivocal behavior increased the victim's uneasiness
Popularity is an equivocal crown
An equivocal response to an embarrassing question
Ambivalent
Characterized by a mixture of opposite feelings or attitudes;
She felt ambivalent about his proposal
An ambivalent position on rent control
Ambiguous
Having more than one possible meaning;
Ambiguous words
Frustrated by ambiguous instructions, the parents were unable to assemble the toy
Ambivalent
Uncertain or unable to decide about what course to follow;
Was ambivalent about having children
Ambiguous
Having no intrinsic or objective meaning; not organized in conventional patterns;
An ambiguous situation with no frame of reference
Ambiguous inkblots
