# bitter

/ˈbɪtɝ/ (US) · /bˈɪtɐ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/bitter
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. sharp taste

adjective · CEFR B1

having a sharp, strong taste that is not sweet, like black coffee or dark chocolate.

For teachers: having a sharp, pungent, or acrid taste; the opposite of sweet.

- The medicine had a very bitter taste, so I drank some juice afterward.
- The chef explained that the radicchio provides a bitter contrast to the richness of the creamy walnut sauce.

### 2. resentful or angry

adjective · CEFR B2

feeling angry and unhappy because you think you have been treated unfairly.

For teachers: exhibiting or feeling intense animosity, resentment, or cynicism resulting from perceived injustice or disappointment.

- He was still bitter about losing his job after ten years of hard work.
- The divorce left both parties feeling bitter, leading to years of legal disputes over relatively minor assets.

### 3. very cold weather

adjective · CEFR B2

extremely cold in a way that feels painful.

For teachers: characterised by intense, piercing, or stinging cold.

- A bitter wind blew across the lake, making our faces sting.
- The expedition was forced to turn back when a bitter frost made it impossible to maintain their equipment.

### 4. type of beer

noun · CEFR B2 · British English

a type of British beer that has a strong, sharp taste from hops.

For teachers: a style of British ale with a high hop content, resulting in a characteristically sharp flavour.

- He ordered a pint of bitter at the local pub.
- The brewery is famous for its traditional English bitter, which is still served from wooden casks.

### 5. herbal liquid

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

a strong-tasting liquid made from herbs, often added to cocktails.

For teachers: a liquid or powder prepared from bitter herbs and roots, used as a tonic or a flavouring agent in mixed drinks.

- The bartender added a few drops of orange bitters to the drink.
- A dash of aromatic bitters can significantly enhance the complexity of a classic whiskey cocktail.

Usage: Usually used in the plural form 'bitters' when referring to the cocktail ingredient.

## Examples

- The coffee tastes very bitter without any sugar.
- He felt bitter after the company promoted a less experienced colleague instead of him.
- 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.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.