Ambivalently

/ˌæmbɪˈveɪləntli/ adverb

Definition

In a way that shows mixed or contradictory feelings about something, being unable to decide between two opposite opinions or emotions.

Etymology

From ambivalent (from Latin ambi- 'both' + valent- 'strong'), combined with the adverbial suffix -ly. The term was coined in psychology in the early 20th century to describe simultaneous contradictory emotions.

Kelly Says

Ambivalently perfectly captures how we actually feel about most complex things—it's why people say 'I love this show but also find it annoying' rather than picking one emotion. Psychology had to invent this word because human feelings are messier than simple categories allow.

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