The word "embitter" is spelled with two consonants in a row, which can make it a bit tricky to pronounce correctly. The IPA phonetic transcription for "embitter" is /ɛmˈbɪtər/. The first syllable is pronounced like "em" and rhymes with "hem," while the second syllable is pronounced like "bit" and rhymes with "fit." The final syllable is pronounced like "er" and rhymes with "her." When pronounced correctly, "embitter" means to cause someone to feel bitter or resentful.
The term "embitter" functions as both a verb and an adjective in the English language. As a verb, "embitter" refers to the action of causing someone to feel bitter, resentful, or filled with hostility. It commonly involves instilling a sense of anger, disappointment, or dissatisfaction in someone's mind or heart. This can be achieved through a range of negative experiences such as betrayals, humiliations, or injustices, which serve to poison one's attitude and outlook.
Moreover, "embitter" can indicate the act of making a substance or situation bitter, unpleasant, or adversely affecting its taste. For instance, in culinary terms, certain ingredients like intense spices or overcooked elements can embitter a dish, overpowering its flavors and rendering it unpalatable.
As an adjective, "embitter" is applied to describe someone or something that has become bitter or resentful as a result of adverse experiences or prolonged hardships. This connotation implies a persistent state of negativity, cynicism, or rancor that has been cultivated over time.
Overall, whether employed as a verb or an adjective, "embitter" denotes the negative transformation of individuals or entities, characterized by a bitter and resentful mindset, souring their perception of the world or their experiences.
See IMBITTER.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "embitter" is derived from the combination of the prefix "em-" and the word "bitter", both of which have independent origins.
The prefix "em-" comes from Latin and is a variant of the prefix "in-" or "im-", which generally indicates a negation or intensification of the word it is attached to. In the case of "embitter", the prefix serves to intensify the action of making something bitter.
The word "bitter" originated from Old English and can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "bitra", which means "to bite" or "to cut". Over time, the meaning of "bitter" evolved to refer to taste, describing something that is sharp, harsh, or unpleasant.