Learn how to use the comparative “more bitter” and superlative “most bitter” with example sentences and differences.

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Notes from a Native English Speaker

Comparative adjectives help us to describe how good or bad something is when compared to something else. For example, something is taller than something else. Superlative adjectives help us to describe something as having the most or least of a particular characteristic within a group. This makes it easier and more accurate to talk about and compare things.

What is the comparative form of “bitter”?

The comparative form of “bitter” is “more bitter”.

Example

The coffee tasted more bitter than usual.

Example

The medicine had a more bitter aftertaste than expected.

What is the superlative form of “bitter”?

The superlative form of “bitter” is “most bitter”.

Example

Among all the chocolates, the dark chocolate is the most bitter.

Example

The herbal tea had the most bitter taste of all the teas.

Why is this expression not used with most, more?

'Most' and 'more' are used with bitter to form the comparative and superlative forms. The forms 'more bitter' and 'most bitter' are the correct and preferred forms to use.

Does this expression have an irregular comparative/superlative form?

Bitter follows the standard pattern for forming comparatives and superlatives. So, to summarize: Comparative: BitterMore bitter Superlative: BitterMost bitter

Expressions with similar meanings to “more bitter”

Used to describe something that has a strong, unpleasant taste or smell

Example

The more acrid flavor of the vinegar made her cringe.

more pungent

Used to indicate a strong, sharp, or spicy taste

Example

The more pungent spices added a kick to the dish.

more tart

Used to describe a sharp or sour taste

Example

The more tart lemonade was refreshing on a hot day.

Expressions with similar meanings to “most bitter”

Similar to most bitter, this emphasizes a strong, unpleasant taste or smell

Example

The most acrid odor came from the rotten eggs.

most pungent

Used to describe the highest level of a strong, sharp, or spicy taste

Example

The most pungent chili pepper brought tears to his eyes.

most tart

Used to describe the highest level of a sharp or sour taste

Example

The most tart grapefruit was too sour for her liking.

Using than with comparative “more bitter”

When using the comparative form more bitter to compare two things, you would use than to connect the two parts of the comparison: Example: "The coffee tasted more bitter than the tea." Here, than is used to show that the taste of the coffee is stronger in bitterness compared to the taste of the tea.

How can I use this expression in context?

“more bitter” and “most bitter” can be used in a variety of situations to compare speed.
  • 1Food and Drinks

    The dark chocolate is more bitter than the milk chocolate.

    The dark chocolate is more bitter than the milk chocolate.

  • 2Medicine

    The liquid medicine has the most bitter taste among all the medications.

    The liquid medicine has the most bitter taste among all the medications.

  • 3Herbs and Spices

    The more bitter herbs add depth of flavor to the dish.

    The more bitter herbs add depth of flavor to the dish.

  • 4Alcohol

    The IPA beer has a more bitter taste compared to the lager.

    The IPA beer has a more bitter taste compared to the lager.

  • 5Coffee and Tea

    The black coffee has the most bitter flavor of all the coffee options.

    The black coffee has the most bitter flavor of all the coffee options.

Related idioms and phrases

Bitter pill to swallow

Something difficult or unpleasant to accept.

Example

Losing the game was a bitter pill to swallow for the team.

Bitter end

The final and often unpleasant or unsuccessful part of something.

Example

They fought until the bitter end but couldn't save the sinking ship.

Bitter sweet

A mix of both positive and negative emotions or experiences.

Example

Graduation day was a bittersweet moment for the students.

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