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Bitterly Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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bitterly

[ˈbɪtərli ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adverb

emotion

In a way that shows strong negative emotions such as anger or disappointment.

Synonyms

angrily, resentfully, sorrowfully.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
bitterly

Used to describe a strong emotion often in a negative or regretful situation. It can be used for expressing deep disappointment or pain.

  • She cried bitterly when she heard the news
  • He spoke bitterly about his lost opportunities
angrily

Used when someone is feeling or expressing anger. It is a straightforward term for when someone feels mad or upset.

  • He shouted angrily at the driver who cut him off
  • She angrily slammed the door behind her
sorrowfully

Used to express deep sadness or sorrow. It's appropriate for situations involving grief or serious disappointment.

  • She gazed sorrowfully at the old photographs
  • He nodded sorrowfully as he listened to the sad news
resentfully

Used when someone feels resentful, often indicating a deep-seated grudge or feeling of unfairness. It has a negative connotation.

  • He looked at his coworker resentfully after being passed over for promotion
  • She spoke resentfully about her siblings getting more attention

Examples of usage

  • She cried bitterly when she heard the news.
  • He complained bitterly about the unfair treatment he received.
Context #2 | Adverb

taste

In a way that has a sharp, unpleasant taste.

Synonyms

acridly, astringently, harshly.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
bitterly

Used to express strong negative emotions or feelings, often related to disappointment, sorrow, or resentment.

  • She spoke bitterly about losing her job.
  • He bitterly regretted his actions.
acridly

Used to describe something that has an irritatingly strong and unpleasant taste or smell. It can also be used to describe harsh and bitter remarks.

  • The smoke from the fire burned acridly, making it hard to breathe.
  • She commented acridly on his poor performance.
astringently

Typically refers to a sharp or severe manner or style. Often used in a more formal or literary context.

  • His astringently critical review shocked the audience.
  • She corrected him astringently during the discussion.
harshly

Describes actions or words that are severe, critical, or unkind. It often highlights cruelty or brutality in treatment or speech.

  • The teacher spoke harshly, making the students uncomfortable.
  • He was harshly criticized for his lack of preparation.

Examples of usage

  • The medicine tasted bitterly.
  • The coffee was brewed so bitterly.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • Classic literature often uses the term to convey deep sorrow or regret, exemplified in works by authors like Charles Dickens.
  • In poetry, 'bitterly' is frequently used as a powerful descriptor to evoke strong emotional responses.
  • Shakespeare often portrayed characters experiencing bitterness when faced with unrequited love or loss.

Psychology

  • 'Bitter' emotions can stem from unresolved grief or feelings of betrayal, often impacting relationships.
  • Research suggests that expressing feelings of bitterness can affect mental health, emphasizing the need for emotional processing.
  • Bitter experiences are often linked with narratives of personal struggle and resilience, fostering growth in individuals.

Cultural Use

  • In various cultures, expressing emotions bitterly can signify cultural contexts of mourning or anger.
  • Songs and films often use bitterly to highlight moments of tragedy or disappointment, making the experiences relatable.
  • Expressions of bitterness in social contexts can lead to discussions about conflict resolution and reconciliation.

Daily Conversations

  • People might say they feel bitterly when talking about lost opportunities or unfair treatment.
  • This word often appears in debates or heated discussions, emphasizing emotional intensity around a topic.
  • Using 'bitterly' in comments about weather (like 'it was bitterly cold') highlights extreme discomfort.

Origin of 'bitterly'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Old English 'biter,' which means having a sharp or harsh taste.
  • In Middle English, the term evolved to include not just taste but also feelings of anger or harshness.
  • The use of 'bitterly' to express deep emotional pain dates back to the early 17th century.

The adverb 'bitterly' is derived from the adjective 'bitter', which has Old English and Germanic roots. The word has been used since the 13th century to describe the taste of something sharp and unpleasant. Over time, it has also evolved to describe strong negative emotions. The adverb 'bitterly' has been a common part of the English language for centuries, reflecting the human experience of both physical and emotional bitterness.

See also: bitterness.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #8,781 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.