BITTER Meaning and
Definition
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Bitter is an adjective that describes a strong, unpleasant taste or feeling characterized by sharpness and intensity. In reference to taste, it is often associated with a sour, acidic, or astringent flavor that can be unpalatable to some individuals. It is the opposite of sweetness, lacking in the presence of sugar or other sweetening elements. Bitterness in taste can be found in certain foods and drinks like coffee, dark chocolate, grapefruits, and some vegetables. It is often used figuratively to describe an unpleasant experience or feeling, such as disappointment, resentment, or envy, which leaves a lingering negative impression.
Additionally, bitter can also depict a person who displays a cynical and resentful attitude, often resulting from past disappointments or hardships. Such individuals may express unpleasantness or hostility in their demeanor or discourse.
Moreover, the term bitter can refer to a substance with medicinal properties that stimulate the production of gastric juices, promoting digestion. These substances, known as bitters, are often derived from various roots, herbs, or fruits.
In summary, bitter refers to an intense and displeasing taste, a negative emotional state, a cynical personality, or a substance that enhances digestion.
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Having a taste like that of strychnine or quinine.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
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• Sharp; biting to the taste; severe; reproachful; painful to the feelings or mind; distressing.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Top Common Misspellings for BITTER *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for BITTER
Etymology of BITTER
The word "bitter" originated from the Old English word "biter", which was derived from the Proto-Germanic word "bitraz". This Proto-Germanic term ultimately traces back to the Proto-Indo-European root "*bheid-" or "*bheidh-", meaning "to bite" or "to split". The original sense of "bitter" referred to a sharp, biting taste, similar to the sensation of being bitten. Over time, the term became associated with the taste of substances like quinine, unsweetened chocolate, and certain vegetables, which are now commonly described as bitter.
Idioms with the word BITTER
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a bitter pill (to swallow)
The idiom "a bitter pill (to swallow)" refers to something unpleasant, difficult, or disappointing that one must accept and deal with, even though it is hard to do so. It often implies that the situation or information is hard to accept but must be acknowledged or faced.
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to the bitter end
The idiom "to the bitter end" is an expression used to describe an unwavering commitment or persistence to continue with a task, situation, or relationship until it reaches its inevitable conclusion, regardless of the challenges, setbacks, or hardships encountered along the way. It implies a resolve to see something through to its completion, regardless of the difficulty or unpleasantness involved.
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Take the bitter with the sweet.
The idiom "Take the bitter with the sweet" means to accept or endure both the negative and positive aspects of a situation, to face difficulties or disappointments along with the enjoyable or rewarding elements. It emphasizes the idea of accepting the good and the bad without complaint or resistance.
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bitter pill to swallow
A bitter pill to swallow refers to a situation or information that is difficult or unpleasant to accept or come to terms with. It generally implies that the reality or truth is hard to face and may cause discomfort or disappointment.
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bitter medicine
The idiom "bitter medicine" refers to something that is unpleasant or difficult to accept or endure, but is necessary for improvement or progress. It originated from the idea that certain medicines or treatments may taste bitter but are required to cure an ailment. In a figurative sense, it implies that sometimes we need to go through difficult or unpleasant experiences in order to achieve positive outcomes or personal growth.
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to/until the bitter end
The idiom "to/until the bitter end" means to continue or persist in a task, goal, or commitment until its completion, regardless of any difficulties, hardships, or challenges faced along the way. It implies a strong determination to reach the desired outcome, even if it requires enduring unfavorable circumstances or unfavorable outcomes.
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a bitter pill (for somebody) (to swallow)
The idiom "a bitter pill (for somebody) (to swallow)" refers to a difficult or unpleasant situation, fact, or piece of information that is hard to accept or come to terms with. It typically implies that something is disappointing, distasteful, or creates feelings of anger, frustration, or sadness.
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the weed of crime bears bitter fruit
The idiom "the weed of crime bears bitter fruit" means that engaging in illegal or unethical activities will eventually lead to negative consequences or undesirable outcomes. It suggests that the initial benefits or gains obtained through such actions will eventually turn into severe and unpleasant consequences, similar to how the growth of a weed – seemingly small and harmless at first – can overrun and damage a garden.
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till/until the bitter end
The idiom "till/until the bitter end" means to persist or endure until the very end, regardless of difficulties, challenges, or unfavorable outcomes. It implies unwavering determination and commitment, even when faced with adversity or a negative outcome is inevitable.
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a bitter pill
The idiom "a bitter pill" refers to an unpleasant or difficult situation or experience that is hard to accept or swallow. It is often used to describe something that is disappointing, disheartening, or hard to come to terms with.
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bitter end
The idiom "bitter end" is typically used to refer to the very end of something, often a difficult or challenging situation, journey, or task. It implies that one should persist or endure until the very end, no matter how challenging or unfavorable the circumstances may be.
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the bitter fruits of sth
The idiom "the bitter fruits of something" refers to the negative or unpleasant consequences or outcomes that result from a particular action, decision, or situation. It implies that the results or outcome are unfortunate, regrettable, or unsatisfactory in some way.
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the bitter fruits
The idiom "the bitter fruits" refers to the negative consequences or undesirable outcomes that arise from a specific action, decision, or situation. It implies that the outcome is not as favorable or pleasant as initially anticipated and carries a sense of regret or disappointment.
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be bitter and twisted
The idiom "be bitter and twisted" refers to a person's mindset or attitude that is characterized by resentment, cynicism, or discontentment. It describes someone who holds onto past grievances, grudges, or negative emotions, which further shape their bitter and twisted outlook on life.
Similar spelling words for BITTER
- batter,
- better,
- biter,
- Butte,
- barter,
- battery,
- litter,
- bite,
- buttery,
- butter,
- bitten,
- bidder,
- hitter,
- fitter.
Conjugate verb Bitter
CONDITIONAL
I
would bitter
you
would bitter
he/she/it
would bitter
we
would bitter
they
would bitter
CONDITIONAL CONTINUOUS
I
would be bittering
you
would be bittering
he/she/it
would be bittering
we
would be bittering
they
would be bittering
CONDITIONAL PERFECT
I
would have bitter
you
would have bitter
he/she/it
would have bitter
we
would have bitter
they
would have bitter
CONDITIONAL PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
would have been bittering
you
would have been bittering
he/she/it
would have been bittering
we
would have been bittering
they
would have been bittering
FUTURE
I
will bitter
you
will bitter
he/she/it
will bitter
we
will bitter
they
will bitter
FUTURE CONTINUOUS
I
will be bittering
you
will be bittering
he/she/it
will be bittering
we
will be bittering
they
will be bittering
FUTURE PERFECT
I
will have bittered
you
will have bittered
he/she/it
will have bittered
we
will have bittered
they
will have bittered
FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
will have been bittering
you
will have been bittering
he/she/it
will have been bittering
we
will have been bittering
they
will have been bittering
IMPERATIVE
you
bitter
we
let´s bitter
to bitter
PAST
I
bittered
you
bittered
he/she/it
bittered
we
bittered
they
bittered
PAST CONTINUOUS
I
was bittering
you
were bittering
he/she/it
was bittering
we
were bittering
they
were bittering
PAST PARTICIPLE
bittered
PAST PERFECT
I
had bittered
you
had bittered
he/she/it
had bittered
we
had bittered
they
had bittered
PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
had been bittering
you
had been bittering
he/she/it
had been bittering
we
had been bittering
they
had been bittering
PRESENT
I
bitter
you
bitter
he/she/it
bitters
we
bitter
they
bitter
PRESENT CONTINUOUS
I
am bittering
you
are bittering
he/she/it
is bittering
we
are bittering
they
are bittering
PRESENT PARTICIPLE
bittering
PRESENT PERFECT
I
have bittered
you
have bittered
he/she/it
has bittered
we
have bittered
they
have bittered
PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
have been bittering
you
have been bittering
he/she/it
has been bittering
we
have been bittering
they
have been bittering
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