Main Translations

English: ambivalent

Phonetic: /æmˈbɪvələnt/

Detailed Explanation: The word "ambivalent" is an adjective that describes a state of having mixed or contradictory feelings, ideas, or attitudes toward something. It often conveys emotional complexity, such as simultaneous attraction and repulsion, or uncertainty in decision-making. Usage scenarios include psychology, where it refers to conflicting emotions (e.g., in relationships or career choices), and everyday contexts like evaluating options. SEO keywords: ambivalent meaning, ambivalent emotional connotations. Semantic nuances include its neutral to negative connotation, as it highlights indecision or internal conflict, making it common in introspective or analytical discussions.

Thai: ลังเล (lang le)

Phonetic: lang le

Detailed Explanation: In Thai, "ลังเล" is a primary translation for "ambivalent," emphasizing hesitation or indecision due to conflicting thoughts. It is commonly used in scenarios involving personal choices, such as career decisions or relationships, and carries emotional connotations of internal struggle or caution. SEO keywords: ambivalent in Thai, ลังเล meaning. Semantic nuances include its frequent appearance in informal Thai conversations, where it reflects cultural values of thoughtfulness and avoiding rash decisions, as seen in Thai proverbs about careful deliberation.

Thai: มีความรู้สึกขัดแย้ง (mee kwaam ru seuk khat yaeng)

Phonetic: mee kwaam roo seuk khat yaeng

Detailed Explanation: This secondary translation literally means "having conflicting feelings" and is used for more nuanced or formal contexts, such as psychological discussions or literary descriptions. It highlights the emotional duality of ambivalence, often in situations involving moral dilemmas or complex relationships. SEO keywords: ambivalent translation Thai, มีความรู้สึกขัดแย้ง usage. Semantic nuances include its adaptability in Thai media and self-help contexts, where it underscores the cultural emphasis on emotional balance and mindfulness in Buddhist-influenced society.

Overview of Usage Scenarios

The word "ambivalent" is primarily used in contexts involving emotional or cognitive conflict, such as decision-making, relationships, and professional evaluations. In English, it appears in psychological analyses, literature, and casual conversations to describe uncertainty. In Thai, translations like "ลังเล" are common in everyday dialogue, while "มีความรู้สึกขัดแย้ง" suits formal or introspective settings. SEO keywords: ambivalent usage scenarios, ambivalent in daily life. Overall, it conveys a sense of internal tension, making it relevant in personal development, business negotiations, and cultural discussions where indecision is explored.

Example Sentences

Example Sentences in Different Scenarios

Business Scenario

English: The executive was ambivalent about the merger, weighing the potential profits against the risks.

Thai: ผู้บริหารลังเลเกี่ยวกับการควบรวมกิจการ โดยชั่งน้ำหนักระหว่างกำไรที่อาจเกิดขึ้นกับความเสี่ยง.

Grammatical Breakdown: "The executive" (subject, noun phrase), "was ambivalent" (verb "was" in past tense + adjective "ambivalent"), "about the merger" (prepositional phrase indicating the object of ambivalence), "weighing...against" (gerund phrase showing action).

Structural Analysis: This is a complex sentence with a main clause and a subordinate clause, using "ambivalent" as a predicate adjective to describe the subject's state. It highlights decision-making in a professional context, optimizing for SEO with keywords like "ambivalent in business."

Leisure Scenario

English: She felt ambivalent about the vacation plan, excited for the adventure but worried about the cost.

Thai: เธอมีความรู้สึกขัดแย้งเกี่ยวกับแผนการเดินทางพักผ่อน โดยตื่นเต้นกับการผจญภัยแต่กังวลเรื่องค่าใช้จ่าย.

Grammatical Breakdown: "She felt" (subject + verb in past tense), "ambivalent about" (adjective with prepositional phrase), "excited...but worried" (coordinating conjunction contrasting emotions).

Structural Analysis: A compound sentence structure with contrasting clauses, where "ambivalent" modifies the verb "felt," illustrating emotional conflict in casual settings. SEO focus: ambivalent in leisure activities.

Formal Occasion

English: The diplomat expressed ambivalent views on the treaty, acknowledging its benefits while noting potential drawbacks.

Thai: นักการทูตแสดงความคิดเห็นที่ลังเลเกี่ยวกับสนธิสัญญา โดยยอมรับประโยชน์แต่ชี้ให้เห็นถึงข้อจำกัด.

Grammatical Breakdown: "The diplomat" (subject), "expressed ambivalent views" (verb + adjective modifying noun), "on the treaty" (prepositional phrase), "acknowledging...while noting" (participial phrases).

Structural Analysis: This sentence uses "ambivalent" as an attributive adjective, creating a balanced, formal tone. It demonstrates nuanced usage in diplomatic contexts, with SEO keywords like "ambivalent in formal settings."

Informal Occasion

English: I'm ambivalent about trying that new restaurant; it looks good, but the reviews are mixed.

Thai: ฉันลังเลที่จะลองร้านอาหารใหม่นั้น มันดูน่ากินดี แต่รีวิวหลากหลาย.

Grammatical Breakdown: "I'm ambivalent" (subject + verb "am" + adjective), "about trying" (infinitive phrase), "it looks...but the reviews" (independent clauses joined by "but").

Structural Analysis: An informal, conversational structure with "ambivalent" as a predicate adjective, emphasizing everyday indecision. SEO optimization: ambivalent in informal conversations.

Example Sentences in Different Sentence Types

Declarative Sentence

English: He is ambivalent about his career path.

Thai: เขามีความรู้สึกขัดแย้งเกี่ยวกับเส้นทางอาชีพของเขา.

Grammatical Breakdown: "He is" (subject + linking verb), "ambivalent about" (adjective + prepositional phrase).

Structural Analysis: A simple declarative sentence stating a fact, with "ambivalent" describing the subject's emotion.

Interrogative Sentence

English: Are you ambivalent about moving to a new city?

Thai: คุณลังเลเกี่ยวกับการย้ายไปเมืองใหม่หรือไม่?

Grammatical Breakdown: "Are you" (auxiliary verb + subject), "ambivalent about" (adjective + prepositional phrase).

Structural Analysis: An interrogative sentence inverting subject-verb order, using "ambivalent" to probe emotions.

Imperative Sentence

English: Don't be ambivalent; make a decision now!

Thai: อย่าลังเล ตัดสินใจเดี๋ยวนี้เลย!

Grammatical Breakdown: "Don't be" (imperative form of "do not be"), "ambivalent" (adjective as direct object).

Structural Analysis: An imperative sentence commanding action, with "ambivalent" highlighting the state to avoid.

Exclamatory Sentence

English: How ambivalent I feel about this opportunity!

Thai: ฉันรู้สึกขัดแย้งกับโอกาสนี้มากแค่ไหน!

Grammatical Breakdown: "How ambivalent" (exclamation starter + adjective), "I feel" (subject + verb).

Structural Analysis: An exclamatory sentence emphasizing emotional intensity, with "ambivalent" as the focal adjective.

Example Sentences of Different Difficulties

Simple Sentence

English: She is ambivalent.

Thai: เธอลังเล.

Grammatical Breakdown: "She is" (subject + verb), "ambivalent" (adjective).

Structural Analysis: A basic subject-verb-adjective structure for beginners.

Intermediate Sentence

English: The team felt ambivalent during the meeting.

Thai: ทีมงานมีความรู้สึกขัดแย้งระหว่างการประชุม.

Grammatical Breakdown: "The team felt" (subject + verb), "ambivalent" (adjective), "during the meeting" (prepositional phrase).

Structural Analysis: Adds a time element, making it slightly more complex for intermediate learners.

Complex Sentence

English: Although the idea seemed promising, he remained ambivalent because of past failures.

Thai: แม้ว่าความคิดจะดูน่าประทับใจ แต่เขายังคงลังเลเนื่องจากความล้มเหลวในอดีต.

Grammatical Breakdown: "Although...seemed" (subordinate clause), "he remained ambivalent" (main clause), "because of" (subordinate clause).

Structural Analysis: A multi-clause structure with "ambivalent" in the main clause, suitable for advanced users.

Related Phrases and Expressions

Synonyms/Near Synonyms:

• Indecisive – Used to describe uncertainty in choices, often in casual contexts (e.g., "He's indecisive about dinner plans").
• Conflicted – Emphasizes internal emotional struggle, common in psychological discussions (e.g., "She felt conflicted about her loyalties").

Antonyms:

• Decisive – Refers to clear and firm decisions, contrasting with hesitation (e.g., "He was decisive in his career move").
• Unequivocal – Indicates absolute certainty, often in formal settings (e.g., "Her support was unequivocal").

Common Collocations:

• Ambivalent feelings – Describes mixed emotions in personal relationships (e.g., "He had ambivalent feelings toward his ex-partner").
• Ambivalent attitude – Used in professional or social contexts to denote conflicting opinions (e.g., "The public's ambivalent attitude toward the policy affected its implementation").

Cultural Background and Usage Habits

Cultural Background:

• Cultural Point 1: In Western cultures, particularly English-speaking ones, "ambivalent" reflects individualism and self-reflection, as seen in literature like F. Scott Fitzgerald's works, where characters grapple with internal conflicts. In Thai culture, it aligns with Buddhist principles of mindfulness, where indecision is viewed as a path to wisdom rather than a flaw, often discussed in media like Thai films exploring family dynamics.

Usage Habits:

• Habit 1: "Ambivalent" is frequently used in English in therapeutic or self-help contexts, popular among young adults and professionals. In Thai, "ลังเล" is common in everyday speech, especially among all age groups, with high frequency in informal settings, while "มีความรู้สึกขัดแย้ง" is less common and more popular in educated or urban circles.

Grammar Explanation

Grammatical Function: "Ambivalent" functions as an adjective, typically modifying nouns (e.g., "ambivalent feelings") or appearing as a predicate adjective after linking verbs (e.g., "She is ambivalent"). It describes states of emotion or attitude and can act as part of a subject complement.

Tense and Voice: As an adjective, "ambivalent" does not change with tenses; it remains the same regardless of verb tense (e.g., "is ambivalent" in present, "was ambivalent" in past). It is not affected by voice, as it describes a quality rather than an action.

References

Etymology and History:

The word "ambivalent" originates from Latin roots: "ambi-" meaning "both" or "on both sides," and "valere" meaning "to be strong" or "to have value." It entered English in the early 20th century through psychology, popularized by Swiss psychiatrist Eugen Bleuler in 1910 to describe conflicting emotions. Over time, its usage evolved from specialized psychological contexts to everyday language, reflecting modern society's emphasis on emotional intelligence. SEO keywords: ambivalent etymology, history of ambivalent.

Literary References:

• In F. Scott Fitzgerald's "The Great Gatsby" (1925): "He was ambivalent about his wealth, torn between admiration and disgust." This highlights the word's role in portraying character complexity.
• In contemporary Thai literature, such as in the works of Saneh Sangsuk, phrases like "มีความรู้สึกขัดแย้ง" echo ambivalence in stories of rural life, emphasizing cultural nuances of indecision.