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Equivocal vs Ambivalence - What's the difference?

equivocal | ambivalence |

As nouns the difference between equivocal and ambivalence

is that equivocal is a word or expression capable of different meanings; an ambiguous term; an equivoque while ambivalence is the coexistence of opposing attitudes or feelings (such as love and hate) towards a person, object or idea.

As an adjective equivocal

is having two or more equally applicable meanings; capable of double or multiple interpretation; ambiguous; uncertain.

equivocal

English

(Webster 1913)

Alternative forms

* (rare)

Noun

(en noun)
  • A word or expression capable of different meanings; an ambiguous term; an equivoque.

    • Synonyms

    * double entendre

    Adjective

    (en adjective)
  • Having two or more equally applicable meanings; capable of double or multiple interpretation; ambiguous; uncertain.
    • equivocal''' words; an '''equivocal sentence
  • * Jeffrey
    • For the beauties of Shakespeare are not of so dim or equivocal a nature as to be visible only to learned eyes.
  • Capable of being ascribed to different motives, or of signifying opposite feelings, purposes, or characters; deserving to be suspected.
    • His actions are equivocal .
  • * Milton
    • equivocal repentances
  • Uncertain, as an indication or sign; doubtful, incongruous.
  • * Burke
    • How equivocal a test.

    Synonyms

    * ambiguous, doubtful, uncertain, indeterminate

    Antonyms

    * unequivocal * (l)

    Derived terms

    * equivocalness

    Related terms

    * equivocation * equivoque

    External links

    * *

    ambivalence

    English

    Noun

  • The coexistence of opposing attitudes or feelings (such as love and hate) towards a person, object or idea.
  • A state of uncertainty or indecisiveness.

    • Usage notes

    This word is often used as to express a lack of concern about the outcome of a choice to be made [http://www.google.com.au/search?sourceid=navclient&ie=UTF-8&rls=GGLJ,GGLJ:2006-10,GGLJ:en&q=ambivalent+to+mean+indifferent]. In this case, a more appropriate word to use is indifference. The confusion is probably caused by the similarity of sounds between the two words and the passive sound of the word.

    Related terms

    * ambivalent