What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
bitterness
Example
The bitter taste of the medicine made it difficult to swallow. [bitter: adjective]
Example
She couldn't hide her bitterness towards her ex-husband after the divorce. [bitterness: noun]
harshness
Example
The harsh wind made it difficult to walk outside. [harsh: adjective]
Example
His harsh criticism left her feeling hurt and discouraged. [harshness: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Harshness is more commonly used than bitterness in everyday language. Harshness is versatile and can be used to describe various situations and behaviors, while bitterness is more specific and often used in the context of taste or emotions.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between bitterness and harshness?
Both bitterness and harshness can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, harshness may be perceived as slightly more formal due to its broader range of applications.
