Bitter Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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bitter

[ˈbɪtər ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

taste

having a sharp, pungent taste or smell; not sweet

Synonyms

acrid, astringent, sharp, sour, tart.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
bitter	Commonly used to describe a strong, often unpleasant taste that can be associated with certain foods or drinks. It can also be used metaphorically to describe a feeling of resentment or distress. The coffee is too bitter for my taste She felt bitter about the unfair treatment
sour	Describes a taste similar to that of lemon or unripe fruits. It can also metaphorically describe a negative or resentful situation or attitude. The milk has gone sour Their relationship turned sour after the argument
acrid	Used to describe a harsh, strong, and unpleasant smell or taste that is sharp and irritating. It often describes smoke or chemicals. The acrid smoke from the fire made it hard to breathe The acrid taste of the medicine lingered in his mouth
sharp	Describes a strong, acute taste that is often biting or tangy. It can also describe clear, precise, or quick attributes. The cheese has a sharp flavor She has a sharp mind that grasps concepts quickly
tart	Describes a taste that is pleasantly sharp or acidic, similar to that of certain fruits. It can also describe a manner of speaking that is biting or sarcastic. The apple pie was deliciously tart She made a tart comment about his tardiness
astringent	Usually describes a taste that is slightly bitter and can cause a dry feeling in the mouth. It can also refer to something that is sharp or severe, especially in a critical manner. The tea had an astringent flavor that puckered my mouth His astringent remarks hurt her feelings

Examples of usage

The coffee was too bitter for my liking.
The bitter taste of the medicine lingered in my mouth.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

feeling

feeling or showing anger, hurt, or resentment

Synonyms

angry, envious, jealous, resentful, sour.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
bitter	When someone feels deeply hurt or disappointed and holds a lasting grudge. He felt bitter after losing his job. She became bitter following her divorce.
resentful	When someone feels annoyed or angry because they feel they have been treated unfairly. He was resentful of his brother's success. She felt resentful after being passed over for a promotion.
angry	When someone feels a strong emotion of displeasure or hostility, often in response to a specific event. She was angry about the unfair decision. He got angry when his car was damaged.
sour	When someone has an unfriendly or unpleasant attitude, often due to past negative experiences. His mood turned sour after the argument. She has a sour outlook on life after her business failed.
envious	When someone wants something that someone else has, often in terms of possessions, abilities, or achievements. He was envious of his friend's new car. She felt envious of her coworker's promotion.
jealous	When someone has feelings of insecurity or fear over the possibility of losing something they value, often in relationships. He was jealous of his girlfriend's male friends. She felt jealous when her sister received more attention.

Examples of usage

She gave him a bitter look before walking away.
He spoke with bitter resentment towards his former boss.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

emotion

a sharp or unpleasant taste

Synonyms

acridity, astringency, pungency, sharpness, tartness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
bitter	Typically describes a taste that is sharp and often unpleasant, often used for food and drinks. The coffee was too bitter for my taste The medicine left a bitter aftertaste in my mouth
sharpness	Generally describes an intense, clear, and often slightly sour taste, frequently used for cheeses and certain fruits. The sharpness of the cheddar cheese complemented the savory dish The lemon added a pleasant sharpness to the dessert
acridity	Refers to a strong and unpleasant taste or smell, often used in a more negative or intense context. The acridity of the smoke made it hard to breathe There was an acridity to the spoiled food that was overwhelming
pungency	Indicates a strong, sharp smell or taste that is often associated with spices and certain foods. The pungency of the garlic filled the kitchen The cheese's pungency was too strong for some people
tartness	Denotes a refreshing and slightly sour taste, commonly applied to fruits and certain desserts. The tartness of the cranberries balanced the sweetness of the pie The sauce had a delightful tartness that enhanced the flavor of the meat
astringency	Describes a taste that is dry and puckering, commonly associated with certain fruits and teas. The astringency of the unripe persimmon made it difficult to eat Green tea can have a bit of astringency if brewed for too long

Examples of usage

The bitter of defeat was hard to swallow.
The bitter of betrayal cut deep.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Culinary

Certain food items, like coffee beans and dark chocolate, contain compounds that create a bitter taste, which some people love.
Bitter flavors are often used in cuisine to balance sweetness, adding depth to dishes like salads and sauces.

Psychology

Research suggests that individuals who prefer bitter tastes might have a higher tolerance for life's challenges, linking taste preferences to resilience.
Bitter experiences, emotionally speaking, can often be contrasted with sweet ones, creating a more complete emotional understanding.

Literature

Bitter feelings are common themes in poetry and literature, often symbolizing loss, regret, or a harsh truth.
Famous works often portray characters experiencing bitter moments, highlighting their struggles and development.

Health

Bitter foods, like grapefruit and kale, are rich in antioxidants, which can be beneficial for your health.
Some studies suggest that bitter compounds in plants may aid in digestion and improve liver function.

Origin of 'bitter'

Main points about word origin

The word comes from the Old English 'bitter,' which meant 'sharp' or 'something that causes pain.'
In many languages, the word for 'bitter' is similar. For instance, in Latin, it is 'amarus,' giving hints about its ancient roots.

The word 'bitter' originated from Old English 'biter', which is related to Dutch 'bitter' and German 'bitter'. The sense of 'having a sharp, pungent taste' dates back to the 12th century. Over time, the word evolved to also describe emotions such as resentment and anger. Bitterness is often associated with a negative or unpleasant experience, both in taste and feeling.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,111, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.

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