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bitter

adj.
B2 Upper Intermediate Oxford US //ˈbɪtɝ// UK //bˈɪtɐ// bit·ter Archaic General-service Informal

adj. having a sharp, strong taste that is not sweet, like coffee or dark chocolate. It also describes feeling angry or unhappy because you think you have been treated unfairly.

adj. characterised by a sharp, pungent taste that is neither sweet nor sour; metaphorically describes intense resentment or animosity resulting from perceived injustice. Often used to describe cold weather or prolonged conflicts.


SIMPLE

The coffee tastes very bitter without any sugar.

CONTEXTUAL

He felt bitter after the company promoted a less experienced colleague instead of him.

COMPLEX

The two nations remained locked in a bitter dispute over the border for decades, refusing to compromise even as economic sanctions began to take a heavy toll.

Synonyms
Etymology 1

Etymology tree Proto-Indo-European *bʰidrós Proto-Germanic *bitraz Proto-West Germanic *bitr Old English biter Middle English bittre English bitter From Middle English bitter, bittre, from Old English bitter, biter (“bitter”), from Proto-West Germanic bitr, from Proto-Germanic bitraz (“bitter”), equivalent to bite + -er (agent noun suffix) used attributively. Cognate with Saterland Frisian bitter, West Frisian bitter, Low German bitter, Dutch bitter, German bitter, Swedish bitter, Icelandic bitur (all meaning “bitter”).

Etymology 2

From bit + -er.

Usage

Often used to modify nouns related to taste, weather, or emotional conflict.

Idioms3 entries

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