Bitterness: meaning, definitions and examples

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bitterness

[ ˈbɪtərnəs ]

^{Context #1}

feeling

The quality or state of being bitter; intense animosity, resentment, or hostility.

Synonyms

animosity, hostility, resentment

Examples of usage

He spoke with bitterness about the way he had been treated.
Her bitterness towards her former boss was evident in her tone of voice.

^{Context #2}

taste

A sharp or unpleasant taste; the quality of having a sharp, pungent flavor.

Synonyms

acridity, pungency, sharpness

Examples of usage

The bitterness of the coffee lingered on his palate.
She couldn't stand the bitterness of the medicine.

Translations

Translations of the word "bitterness" in other languages:

🇵🇹 amargura

🇮🇳 कड़वाहट

🇩🇪 Bitterkeit

🇮🇩 kepahitan

🇺🇦 гіркота

🇵🇱 gorycz

🇯🇵 苦味

🇫🇷 amertume

🇪🇸 amargura

🇹🇷 acı

🇰🇷 쓴맛

🇸🇦 مرارة

🇨🇿 hořkost

🇸🇰 horkosť

🇨🇳 苦涩

🇸🇮 grenkoba

🇮🇸 biturð

🇰🇿 ащы

🇬🇪 მწარება

🇦🇿 acı

🇲🇽 amargura

Word origin

The word 'bitterness' has its origin in the Old English word 'biter' which means 'sharp, pungent, or biting'. Over time, the word evolved to encompass not just tastes, but also emotions. The concept of bitterness as a feeling of resentment or hostility has been present in human language for centuries, reflecting the universal experience of negative emotions. In various cultures, bitterness is often associated with challenges, disappointments, or conflicts, highlighting its complex role in human psychology and relationships.