bittersweet

[ˌbɪtərˈswiːt]

bittersweet Definition

• 1. pleasure and pain intermingled; expressing a mixture of happiness and sadness
• 2. having a taste that is a mixture of bitterness and sweetness

Using bittersweet: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "bittersweet" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  The bittersweet memories of her childhood made her smile and cry at the same time.

• Example

  It was a bittersweet victory, as it came at a great cost.

• Example

  The bittersweet chocolate had a rich and complex flavor.

• Example

  Graduation day was bittersweet for the students.

bittersweet Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for bittersweet

• wistful
• melancholic
• nostalgic
• mixed
• conflicted
• complex
• ambivalent
• poignant

Antonyms for bittersweet

• unmixed
• unambiguous
• unequivocal
• joyful
• happy

Phrases with bittersweet

• bittersweet ending

  an ending that is both happy and sad

  Example

  The movie had a bittersweet ending that left the audience feeling emotional.

• bittersweet memories

  memories that evoke both happiness and sadness

  Example

  Looking at old photographs brought back bittersweet memories of her childhood.

• bittersweet chocolate

  chocolate that has a slightly bitter taste due to the presence of cocoa solids

  Example

  I prefer bittersweet chocolate over milk chocolate because of its rich flavor.

Origins of bittersweet

from 'bitter' + 'sweet'

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Summary: bittersweet in Brief

The term 'bittersweet' [ˌbɪtərˈswiːt] describes a feeling of pleasure and pain intermingled, or a taste that is a mixture of bitterness and sweetness. It is often used to describe experiences that are both happy and sad, such as 'bittersweet memories' or a 'bittersweet ending.' 'Bittersweet' can also refer to chocolate with a slightly bitter taste. Synonyms include 'wistful,' 'melancholic,' and 'nostalgic.'