Meaning & Definition of Bitter in English

1. English term for a dry sharp-tasting ale with strong flavor of hops (usually on draft)

2. The taste experience when quinine or coffee is taken into the mouth

3. The property of having a harsh unpleasant taste

1. Make bitter

1. Marked by strong resentment or cynicism

• "An acrimonious dispute"

• "Bitter about the divorce"

2. Very difficult to accept or bear

• "The bitter truth"

• "A bitter sorrow"

3. Harsh or corrosive in tone

• "An acerbic tone piercing otherwise flowery prose"

• "A barrage of acid comments"

• "Her acrid remarks make her many enemies"

• "Bitter words"

• "Blistering criticism"

• "Caustic jokes about political assassination, talk-show hosts and medical ethics"

• "A sulfurous denunciation"

• "A vitriolic critique"

4. Expressive of severe grief or regret

• "Shed bitter tears"

5. Proceeding from or exhibiting great hostility or animosity

• "A bitter struggle"

• "Bitter enemies"

6. Causing a sharp and acrid taste experience

• "Quinine is bitter"

7. Causing a sharply painful or stinging sensation

• Used especially of cold

• "Bitter cold"

• "A biting wind"

1. Extremely and sharply

• "It was bitterly cold"

• "Bitter cold"