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Bitterer Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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bitterer

[ˈbɪtərər ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

taste perception

The term 'bitterer' is a comparative form of the adjective 'bitter.' It describes something that has a strong, sharp, unpleasant taste, often associated with certain foods like dark chocolate or coffee. Bitter flavors can also be metaphorically used to describe emotions or situations, such as 'bitterer disputes' or 'bitterer experiences.' In cooking, balancing bitter flavors with sweet or sour elements can enhance a dish.

Synonyms

acrid, more bitter, sourer.

Examples of usage

  • This coffee is even bitterer than the last cup.
  • The bitterness of the chocolate became bitterer after adding salt.
  • Her disappointment felt bitterer than any previous rejection.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Taste Perception

  • Bitterness is one of the five basic tastes, alongside sweetness, sourness, saltiness, and umami.
  • Certain compounds, like caffeine and quinine, are known for their bitter profiles, often eliciting stronger reactions than sweet flavors.

Cultural References

  • In many cultures, bitter foods like certain herbs and dark chocolate are often associated with health benefits, while also being an acquired taste.
  • The phrase 'bittersweet' describes emotions or experiences that are both happy and sad, showing that bitterness can have layers.

Psychological Impact

  • Research suggests that bitter or unpleasant tastes often evoke stronger emotional responses than sweet tastes, showcasing how pleasure and discomfort are intertwined.
  • Feeling 'bitter' can describe an emotional state of resentment or disappointment, reflecting how taste can parallel human feelings.

In Literature

  • Authors often use the concept of bitterness to symbolize regret or loss, as seen in many characters’ journeys reflecting on painful experiences.
  • Poetry sometimes connects bitter tastes to deeper themes of love and longing, exemplifying how flavor and emotion can intertwine.

Origin of 'bitterer'

Main points about word origin

  • 'Bitter' comes from the Old English 'bitre', which means having a sharp taste.
  • The suffix '-er' is used to compare, making 'bitterer' a way to say something is more bitter than another.

The word 'bitter' originates from the Old English term 'bitere,' which has cognates in several Germanic languages, including Dutch 'bitter' and German 'bitter.' The etymological roots trace back to the Proto-Germanic '*bitra,' which means 'having a sharp taste.' The comparative form 'bitterer' follows the typical pattern in English where '-er' is added to adjectives to denote a higher degree. Historically, bitterness was often avoided in preferences for sweet or savory flavors, leading to the evolution and usage of the term in both culinary and metaphorical contexts. Over time, as language and cooking evolved, so did the interpretations of 'bitter' in terms of taste and emotional experiences.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #37,148, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.