Main Entry:

¹bit·ter

Pronunciation:

\ˈbi-tər\

Function:

adjective

Etymology:

Middle English, from Old English biter; akin to Old High German bittar bitter, Old English bītan to bite — more at bite

Date:

before 12th century

1 a: being or inducing the one of the four basic taste sensations that is peculiarly acrid, astringent, or disagreeable and suggestive of an infusion of hops — compare salt, sour, sweet b: distasteful or distressing to the mind : galling <a bitter sense of shame>2: marked by intensity or severity: a: accompanied by severe pain or suffering <a bitter death> b: being relentlessly determined : vehement <a bitter partisan> c: exhibiting intense animosity <bitter enemies> d (1): harshly reproachful <bitter complaints> (2): marked by cynicism and rancor <bitter contempt> e: intensely unpleasant especially in coldness or rawness <a bitter wind> 3: expressive of severe pain, grief, or regret <bitter tears>

— bit·ter·ish \ˈbi-tə-rish\ adjective

— bit·ter·ly adverb

— bit·ter·ness noun