Bittersweet Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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bittersweet

[หŒbษชtษ™rหˆswit ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

emotional experience

Bittersweet describes an emotional experience that encompasses both happiness and sadness simultaneously. It often refers to memories or situations that evoke feelings of joy intertwined with a pang of sorrow. The complexity of bittersweet moments reflects the duality of human emotions, capturing the essence that joy can exist alongside pain. This term is frequently used in literature and music to convey themes of nostalgia or the passage of time.

Synonyms

melancholic, mixed, poignant.

Examples of usage

  • The movie had a bittersweet ending.
  • She felt a bittersweet happiness at graduation.
  • The song captured the bittersweet feeling of lost love.

Translations

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Origin of 'bittersweet'

The word 'bittersweet' is a compound adjective formed from two contrasting terms: 'bitter' and 'sweet'. The etymology of 'bitter' can be traced back to Old English 'biter', which is related to the Proto-Germanic *bitera and ultimately the Proto-Indo-European root *bheid-, meaning 'to split or break'. This term has long been associated with a harsh or unpleasant taste. 'Sweet', in contrast, originates from Old English 'swete' and shares roots with the Proto-Germanic *swลth and Proto-Indo-European *swad-, meaning 'pleasant, agreeable, or good'. The combination of these two words created 'bittersweet', which emerged in English during the 14th century primarily to describe the taste of certain foods that elicit both pleasurable and sharp flavors. Over time, 'bittersweet' evolved to capture complex emotional states and experiences that resonate with people in literary and artistic contexts, illustrating the intricacies of human feelings.