Ambiguous vs Ambivalent
ambiguous
open to multiple meanings
ambivalent
having mixed feelings
How to tell them apart
ambiGUous: a GUess about meaning; it could mean many things. ambiVALent: your feelings VAcilLate; you VALue both sides, so you're torn.
Test yourself
Which word fits from context? Pick one, then reveal the answer. This is exactly how the GRE tests these pairs.
Question 1
The treaty's wording allowed each nation to interpret its obligations differently, sparking years of diplomatic disputes over the exact terms.
Choose: ambiguous or ambivalent
Show answer
Answer: ambiguous
wording that "each nation" could "interpret differently" is open to multiple meanings = ambiguous; ambivalent (mixed feelings) cannot describe text.
Question 2
Deeply about the promotion, she was thrilled by the higher salary yet dreaded the relentless travel it would demand.
Choose: ambiguous or ambivalent
Show answer
Answer: ambivalent
"thrilled ... yet dreaded" describes mixed feelings = ambivalent; ambiguous describes meanings, not a person's emotions.
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