'ambivalent' originates from German, specifically the word 'Ambivalenz,' where 'ambi-' meant 'both' and 'valent' meant 'strength.'

'Ambivalenz' transformed into the English word 'ambivalent,' and eventually became the adverb 'ambivalently.'

Initially, it meant 'having both positive and negative feelings,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.