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Embittering Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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embittering

[ษ›mหˆbษชtษ™rษชล‹ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

emotional state

To embitter means to cause someone to feel resentful or angry, often due to a perceived injustice or disappointment. It involves instilling a sense of bitterness in a person's emotional state, leading to a generally negative outlook. This word can be used when discussing the effects of long-term grievances or when someone's experiences have led them to develop a cynical perspective on life.

Synonyms

alienate, anger, resent.

Examples of usage

  • Years of unfair treatment embittered him.
  • The betrayal embittered her relationships.
  • Failure to achieve his dreams only served to embitter him further.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Experiencing events that embitter someone can lead to prolonged feelings of resentment and stress.
  • Those who feel embittered often struggle with emotional well-being, causing a cycle of negativity.
  • Therapeutic practices recommend addressing bitterness to improve mental health and find forgiveness.

Literature

  • Many classic novels explore themes of embittering through characters facing injustice, such as in 'Les Misรฉrables'.
  • In poetry, embittering emotions are often depicted to highlight personal struggles and societal issues.
  • Works featuring embittered protagonists often showcase their journey towards redemption or understanding.

Cultural References

  • Films often portray characters who become embittered through betrayal, illustrating their internal conflict.
  • In music, themes of bitterness and unforgiving emotions are common in genres like blues and rock.

Social Dynamics

  • Embittering can occur in workplaces, affecting team morale and productivity when individuals feel undervalued.
  • In social settings, grievances that lead to embittering can create divisions within groups, impacting friendships.

Origin of 'embittering'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the prefix 'em-' meaning 'to make' and 'bitter', which relates to feelings of hurt and anger.
  • The concept of bitterness dates back to the Old English term 'bitter', linked to sharp tastes and harsh feelings.

The term 'embitter' comes from the prefix 'em-', meaning 'to cause to be,' and 'bitter,' from Old English 'biter,' which means having a sharp taste or smell, also referring to a distressing experience. The concept of bitterness in this context relates not only to taste but also to emotional experiences, suggesting a transformation into a state of displeasure or hostility. The word has evolved over time to signify the emotional impact of negative experiences and injustices, particularly emphasizing how these factors can lead to a lasting sense of resentment. The use of 'embitter' can be traced back to the 15th century, where it began to reflect both personal feelings and broader social tensions in various literary works.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #38,244, 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.