ambivalence, bountiful, disdain, apprehension, sentiment: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from Advanced Plus set 33. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. ambivalence · noun/ˌæmˈbɪvələns/

   the coexistence of contradictory attitudes or feelings towards a person, object, or idea

   She felt strong ambivalence about moving to a new city because she wanted adventure but also missed her friends.

   Synonyms: mixed feelings, uncertainty

   Origin: from Latin 'ambivalens', meaning 'to be in two minds'

2. bountiful · adjective/ˈbaʊntɪfəl/

   generously given or available in abundance

   The garden was bountiful with fruits and vegetables this year.

   Synonyms: generous, abundant, plentiful

   Origin: Middle English, from Old French 'bountif' (meaning bountiful or generous), from Latin 'bounteous', from 'bountas' meaning goodness or plenty.

3. disdain · noun/dɪsˈdeɪn/

   the feeling that someone or something is unworthy of one's consideration or respect

   She looked at the messy room with disdain, feeling it was unworthy of her attention.

   Synonyms: contempt, scorn, disrespect

   Origin: from Old French 'desdaing', based on Latin 'dēspicere' meaning 'to look down on'

4. apprehension · noun/ˌæp.rɪˈhɛn.ʃən/

   anticipation of something bad or unpleasant

   She felt a lot of apprehension before her big test at school.

   Synonyms: fear, anxiety, worry

   Origin: from Latin 'apprehensio', from 'apprehendere' meaning 'to seize, grasp'

5. sentiment · noun/ˈsɛntəmənt/

   a feeling or emotion about something

   The sentiment in the room was joyful as everyone celebrated the birthday.

   Synonyms: feeling, emotion, opinion

   Origin: from Latin 'sentimentum', meaning 'feeling, sense'