Bitterly: meaning, definitions and examples

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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?

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?

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.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

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.

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.

Translations

Translations of the word "bitterly" in other languages:

🇵🇹 amargamente

🇮🇳 कड़वाहट से

🇩🇪 bitterlich

🇮🇩 dengan pahit

🇺🇦 гірко

🇵🇱 gorzko

🇯🇵 苦々しく (にがにがしく)

🇫🇷 amèrement

🇪🇸 amargamente

🇹🇷 acı bir şekilde

🇰🇷 쓰게 (쓰리게)

🇸🇦 بمرارة

🇨🇿 hořce

🇸🇰 horko

🇨🇳 苦苦地 (kǔkǔ de)

🇸🇮 grenko

🇮🇸 beisklega

🇰🇿 ащы

🇬🇪 მწარედ (mts'ared)

🇦🇿 acı-acı

🇲🇽 amargamente

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.

...
8778 elephant
8779 modelling
8780 overwhelmed
8781 bitterly
8782 interpreter
8783 revoked
8784 unfit
...