bitter

[ˈbɪtər]

bitter Definition

  • 1having a sharp, pungent taste or smell; not sweet
  • 2feeling or showing anger, hurt, or resentment because of bad experiences or a sense of unjust treatment

Using bitter: Examples

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

  • Example

    The medicine had a bitter taste.

  • Example

    She gave him a bitter look.

  • Example

    He felt bitter about the way he was treated.

  • Example

    Their bitter rivalry lasted for years.

bitter Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for bitter

Antonyms for bitter

Idioms Using bitter

  • something that is difficult to accept or deal with

    Example

    The news of his father's death was a bitter pill for him to swallow.

  • extremely bitter or unpleasant

    Example

    The coffee was bitter as gall and I couldn't drink it.

  • bitter enemies

    people who hate each other intensely

    Example

    The two countries were bitter enemies for many years.

Phrases with bitter

  • an unpleasant fact or situation that is difficult to accept

    Example

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

  • the conclusion of a difficult or unpleasant situation, often with negative consequences

    Example

    He refused to give up and fought until the bitter end.

  • a mixture of happiness and sadness, often experienced when something good comes to an end

    Example

    Graduation day was bittersweet for the students, as they were happy to graduate but sad to leave their friends behind.

Origins of bitter

from Old English 'biter'

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Summary: bitter in Brief

The term 'bitter' [ˈbɪtər] describes a sharp, pungent taste or smell that is not sweet. It can also refer to feelings of anger, hurt, or resentment due to bad experiences or unjust treatment, as in 'He felt bitter about the way he was treated.' 'Bitter' is used in phrases like 'bitter pill to swallow,' denoting an unpleasant fact or situation, and idioms like 'bitter enemies,' referring to people who hate each other intensely.

How do native speakers use this expression?