Bitterness

/ˈbɪtərnəs/

Meaning & Definition

noun

The quality or state of being bitter; sharpness of taste; the presence of a hostile or resentful attitude.

Her bitterness towards her former colleague was evident in every conversation.

A feeling of deep anger or resentment.

The bitterness he felt after losing the election lingered for years.

A harsh or unpleasant flavor or smell.

The bitterness of the burnt coffee was too strong to enjoy.

Middle English: from bitternesse, from bitter.

sweeten the bitterness

To alleviate the negative effects of a bitter situation.

bitterness of life

The difficult and painful aspects of existence.

hold onto bitterness

To maintain feelings of resentment.

bitter

Having a sharp, pungent taste or smell; not sweet.

resentment

Bitter indignation at having been treated unfairly.

acrimony

Bitterness or ill feeling.

Bitter beer face

He made a bitter beer face after tasting the unsweetened brew.

Bitter end

He saw the relationship through to the bitter end, despite the difficulties.