Ambivalent vs. Equivocal — What's the Difference?
Difference Between Ambivalent and Equivocal
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Compare with Definitions
Ambivalent
Having mixed feelings or contradictory ideas about something or someone
An ambivalent attitude to Europe
Some loved her, some hated her, few were ambivalent about her
Equivocal
Open to more than one interpretation; ambiguous
The equivocal nature of her remarks
Ambivalent
Exhibiting or feeling ambivalence.
Equivocal
Open to two or more interpretations and often intended to conceal the truth.
Ambivalent
Simultaneously experiencing or expressing opposing or contradictory feelings, beliefs, or motivations.
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Equivocal
Characterized by a mixture of opposing elements and therefore questionable or uncertain
Evidence of the drug's effectiveness has been equivocal.
Ambivalent
Alternately having one opinion or feeling, and then the opposite.
His feelings toward his parents are ambivalent.
Equivocal
Having two or more equally applicable meanings; capable of double or multiple interpretation.
Equivocal words
An equivocal sentence
Ambivalent
Undecided as to whether or not to take a proposed course of action; having feelings both for and against the proposed action.
Equivocal
Capable of being ascribed to different motives, or of signifying opposite feelings, purposes, or characters; deserving to be suspected.
His actions are equivocal.
Ambivalent
Characterized by a mixture of opposite feelings or attitudes;
She felt ambivalent about his proposal
An ambivalent position on rent control
Equivocal
Uncertain, as an indication or sign.
Ambivalent
Uncertain or unable to decide about what course to follow;
Was ambivalent about having children
Equivocal
(philosophy) A word or expression capable of different meanings; an ambiguous term.
Equivocal
Literally, called equally one thing or the other; hence:) Having two significations equally applicable; capable of double interpretation; of doubtful meaning; ambiguous; uncertain; as, equivocal words; an equivocal sentence.
For the beauties of Shakespeare are not of so dim or equivocal a nature as to be visible only to learned eyes.
Equivocal
Capable of being ascribed to different motives, or of signifying opposite feelings, purposes, or characters; deserving to be suspected; as, his actions are equivocal.
Equivocal
Uncertain, as an indication or sign; doubtful.
Equivocal
A word or expression capable of different meanings; an ambiguous term; an equivoque.
In languages of great ductility, equivocals like that just referred to are rarely found.
Equivocal
Open to two or more interpretations; or of uncertain nature or significance; or (often) intended to mislead;
An equivocal statement
The polling had a complex and equivocal (or ambiguous) message for potential female candidates
The officer's equivocal behavior increased the victim's uneasiness
Popularity is an equivocal crown
An equivocal response to an embarrassing question
Equivocal
Open to question;
Aliens of equivocal loyalty
His conscience reproached him with the equivocal character of the union into which he had forced his son
Equivocal
Uncertain as a sign or indication;
The evidence from bacteriologic analysis was equivocal
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