The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook

bitter

IPA:

Dictionary definition of bitter

Sharp, acrid, and unpleasant, often associated with strong and unsweetened flavors like dark chocolate or black coffee.
"The bitter taste of the medicine made it difficult to swallow."

Detailed meaning of bitter

In this context, "bitter" refers to the opposite of sweet and can evoke a sense of pungency or harshness on the palate. Secondly, "bitter" can depict intense feelings of resentment, anger, or disappointment towards someone or something. It represents a deep emotional distress or a sense of being wronged or betrayed, leaving a lasting negative impression. Bitterness in relationships or experiences is often associated with a lingering negativity or unresolved conflict. Thirdly, "bitter" can refer to a harsh or unpleasant climate or atmosphere, typically in a figurative sense. It implies a challenging, hostile, or unforgiving environment. Lastly, "bitter" can also describe a shrill, sharp, or biting quality in language or tone, such as bitter sarcasm or biting criticism. In this sense, it denotes a caustic or harsh style of communication. Overall, "bitter" encompasses a range of meanings, from taste and emotion to climate and communication, often evoking negative or challenging circumstances.

Example sentences containing bitter

1. He held a bitter grudge against his former business partner.
2. The bitter cold of winter made stepping outside an arduous task.
3. She couldn't hide her bitter disappointment upon receiving the rejection letter.
4. The bitter rivalry between the two teams intensified during the championship match.
5. Her bitter words cut deep, leaving a lasting impact on their friendship.
6. He harbored bitter resentment towards his family for years.

History and etymology of bitter

The adjective 'bitter' has its etymological origins in Old English. It can be traced back to the Old English word 'bitere,' which was derived from the Proto-Germanic word 'bitraz.' 'Bitere' in Old English described something that had a sharp, acrid, and unpleasant taste, akin to what we associate with bitterness today. Over time, the word 'bitter' evolved to encompass not only taste but also a range of experiences and emotions, such as disappointment or resentment, that share a similarly sharp and unpleasant quality. In the context of flavors, 'bitter' often refers to the strong and unsweetened taste found in foods like dark chocolate or black coffee. Therefore, the etymology of 'bitter' reflects its historical connection to the sharp, acrid, and unpleasant sensations, tastes, and emotions that it describes.

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Further usage examples of bitter

1. The bitter truth of his failure hit him hard, leaving him feeling defeated.
2. The bitter argument escalated into a shouting match.
3. Despite their bitter breakup, they managed to remain civil in public.
4. The bitter wind whipped through the streets, chilling everyone to the bone.
5. She had a bitter taste in her mouth after the betrayal of a trusted friend.
6. The bitter taste of black coffee awakened his senses early in the morning.
7. Her bitter words stung like a cold wind on a winter day.
8. The bitter rivalry between the two teams intensified with every match.
9. Dark chocolate lovers savor the rich, bitter cocoa flavor.
10. The bitter disappointment on his face was hard to miss.
11. The bitter cold of winter made her shiver uncontrollably.
12. A bitter argument erupted over the divisive issue.
13. The bitter truth was that they had lost everything in the fire.
14. His bitter critique left no room for optimism.
15. The bitter winds howled through the deserted streets.
16. The coffee had a bitter aftertaste that lingered on his palate.
17. She couldn't mask the bitter resentment in her voice.
18. The bitter irony of the situation was not lost on him.
19. His bitter complaints filled the air as he struggled with the task.
20. The bitter scent of burnt toast filled the kitchen.
21. The bitter taste of defeat was hard to swallow.
22. Their bitter feud had torn the family apart for years.
23. The bitter cold air cut through their clothing like a knife.
24. He sipped the bitter brew and grimaced at its potency.
25. The bitter truth of the matter was that they were running out of options.