Definition of bitter
1a : being or inducing the one of the four basic taste sensations that is peculiarly acrid acrid, astringent, or disagreeable and suggestive of an infusion of hops The pill leaves a bitter taste in the mouth. a bitter beer bitter dark chocolate — compare salt, sour, sweetb : 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 deathb : being relentlessly determined : vehement a bitter partisanc : exhibiting intense animosity bitter enemiesd (1) : harshly reproachful bitter complaints (2) : marked by cynicism and rancor bitter contempt was still bitter about not being chosene : intensely unpleasant especially in coldness or rawness a bitter wind
3 : caused by or expressive of severe pain, grief, or regret bitter tears
bitterly
adverbbitterness
nounExplore Merriam-Webster
Examples of bitter in a Sentence
Cocoa beans have a bitter flavor.
The medicine had a bitter aftertaste.
We were struck by the bitter irony of the situation.
His betrayal had made her bitter.
She was still bitter toward her ex-husband.
He's the bitterest man I know.
Origin and Etymology of bitter
Middle English, from Old English biter; akin to Old High German bittar bitter, Old English bītan to bite — more at bite
First Known Use: before 12th century
bitter
Definition of bitter
Examples of bitter in a Sentence
The cocktail recipe called for a dash of bitters.
a good selection of bitters
Origin and Etymology of bitter
see 1bitter
First Known Use: before 12th century
bitter
Definition of bitter
transitive verb
: to make bitter (see 1bitter) bittered ale
Origin and Etymology of bitter
see 1bitter
First Known Use: 12th century
bitter
Definition of bitter
: to an intense or severe degree : to a bitter (see 1bitter) degree It's bitter cold.
Origin and Etymology of bitter
see 1bitter
First Known Use: before 12th century
BITTER Defined for English Language Learners
bitter
playDefinition of bitter for English Language Learners
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: having a strong and often unpleasant flavor that is the opposite of sweet
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: causing painful emotions : felt or experienced in a strong and unpleasant way
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: angry and unhappy because of unfair treatment
bitter
Definition of bitter for English Language Learners
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bit*ters : a bitter alcoholic liquid that is used especially in mixed drinks
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: a type of beer that has a slightly bitter flavor
BITTER Defined for Kids
bitter
playDefinition of bitter for Students
bitterer
;bitterest
1 : sharp, biting, and unpleasant to the taste
2 : unhappy and angry because of unfair treatment She was bitter toward her spoiled sister.
3 : hard to put up with a bitter disappointment
4 : caused by anger, distress, or sorrow bitter tears
5 : very harsh or sharp : biting a bitter wind
bitterly
adverb wept bitterlybitterness
nounMedical Dictionary
Learn More about bitter
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See words that rhyme with bitter Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for bitter Spanish Central: Translation of bitter Nglish: Translation of bitter for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of bitter for Arabic speakers
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