having mixed feelings or contradictory ideas about something or someone
example
She felt ambivalent emotions about moving to a new city, excited for the adventure but sad to leave her friends behind.
synonyms
conflicteduncertaintorn
word origin — The word 'ambivalent' originates from the early 20th century. It is derived from the Latin prefix 'ambi-' meaning 'both' and 'valent' from 'valere', which means 'to be strong' or 'to be worth'.
GRE Vocabulary — Set 148
Set 148 of GRE Vocabulary covers 5 words: ambivalent, ambrosial, amenable, antediluvian, aphoristic. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.
ambivalent · adjective/æmˈbɪvələnt/
having mixed feelings or contradictory ideas about something or someone
She felt ambivalent emotions about moving to a new city, excited for the adventure but sad to leave her friends behind.
Synonyms: conflicted, uncertain, torn
Origin: The word 'ambivalent' originates from the early 20th century. It is derived from the Latin prefix 'ambi-' meaning 'both' and 'valent' from 'valere', which means 'to be strong' or 'to be worth'.
ambrosial · adjective/æmˈbroʊ.ʒəl/
extremely pleasing to taste or smell
The bakery's ambrosial scent wafted through the streets, drawing in customers with its irresistible promise of freshly baked goods.
Synonyms: delectable, heavenly, exquisite
Origin: Derived from the Latin 'ambrosialis', which comes from the Greek 'ambrosios', meaning 'immortal' or 'divine'. Ambrosia was considered food for the gods in Greek mythology.
amenable · adjective/əˈminəbl/
open and responsive to suggestion; easily persuaded or controlled
The new manager was amenable to feedback from her team, always willing to adapt her strategies based on their suggestions.
Synonyms: receptive, compliant, agreeable
Origin: from Middle French 'amenable', from Latin 'amabilis' meaning 'worthy of love or favor'
antediluvian · adjective/ˌæn.tɪ.dɪˈlu.vi.ən/
belonging to the time before the biblical flood
The antediluvian civilization uncovered by archaeologists revealed advanced structures that predated the Great Flood.
Synonyms: prehistoric, ancient, primeval
Origin: The word 'antediluvian' comes from the Latin 'ante' meaning 'before' and 'diluvium' meaning 'flood', referring specifically to the period before the great flood described in the Bible.
aphoristic · adjective/ˌæf.əˈrɪs.tɪk/
pertaining to or resembling an aphorism; containing a terse or pithy statement of a general truth
His aphoristic remarks often encapsulated profound truths about life in just a few words.
Synonyms: pithy, terse, sententious
Origin: Derived from the Greek word 'aphorismos', which means 'a definition' or 'a phrase that makes a point', from 'aphorizein', meaning 'to define'.