What is the difference between Ambiguous and Ambivalent?

Ambiguous

adjective

Definition

Open to more than one interpretation; having a double meaning; unclear.

Examples

The politician gave an [ambiguous] answer to the direct question.

The ending of the movie was highly [ambiguous].

His instructions were [ambiguous], so I didn't know what to do.

Ambivalent

adjective

Definition

Having mixed feelings or contradictory ideas about something or someone.

Examples

She felt [ambivalent] about accepting the new job in another city.

He has an [ambivalent] attitude towards his parents.

I'm [ambivalent] as to whether we should go or not.

Tags

similar-spelling sound-similar related-meaning

Practice Quiz

Question 1: I feel ___ about the job offer; the pay is great, but the hours are long.

ambiguous ambivalent

Question 2: The instructions for assembling the furniture were ___ and confusing.

ambiguous ambivalent

Question 3: The politician's speech was deliberately ___, leaving everyone unsure of his true stance.

ambiguous ambivalent

Question 4: She has an ___ relationship with her brother, loving him one moment and fighting the next.

ambiguous ambivalent

Question 5: Which word means having mixed or contradictory feelings?

ambiguous ambivalent

Question 6: The ending of the novel was ___, and fans have debated its meaning for years.

ambiguous ambivalent

Question 7: He was ___ about whether to move to a new city for the promotion.

ambiguous ambivalent

Question 8: Which sentence is correct?

Her ambivalent reply left me wondering what she really meant. I'm ambiguous about the plan; I see both pros and cons. The legal contract was full of ambiguous language. He gave me an ambivalent look, as if he didn't understand.

Question 9: Which word means unclear or open to more than one interpretation?

ambiguous ambivalent

Question 10: Voters were ___ about the candidate, liking his policies but distrusting his character.

ambiguous ambivalent

Quiz Answers

Q1: ambivalent

Q2: ambiguous

Q3: ambiguous

Q4: ambivalent

Q5: ambivalent

Q6: ambiguous

Q7: ambivalent

Q8: The legal contract was full of ambiguous language.

Q9: ambiguous

Q10: ambivalent

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