bitter

bit|ter¹ W3S3 [ˈbıtə US -ər] adj

[: Old English; Origin: biter]

1.) feeling angry, jealous, and upset because you think you have been treated unfairly

→↑bitterly bitter about

▪ I feel very bitter about what has happened.

▪ a bitter and vindictive old man

2.) [only before noun]

making you feel very unhappy and upset

→↑bitterly

a bitter disappointment/blow

▪ If he failed, it would be a bitter disappointment to his parents.

▪ His photo stirred up bitter memories.

from bitter experience

(=because of your own very unpleasant experiences)

▪ She knew from bitter experience that it would be impossible to talk it over with Julian.

3.) a bitter argument, battle etc is one in which people oppose or criticize each other with strong feelings of hate and anger

bitter dispute/battle/struggle etc

▪ The couple are locked in a bitter battle for custody of the children.

▪ The government faces bitter opposition to these policies.

▪ The countries are still bitter enemies .

4.) having a sharp strong taste like black coffee without sugar

→↑sour; sweet

▪ Enjoy the beer's bitter taste as you slowly drink it.

▪ bitter chocolate

5.) unpleasantly cold

→↑bitterly

▪ a bitter wind

▪ the bitter cold of the Midwestern winters

6.) to the bitter end

continuing until the end, even though this is difficult

▪ Employees have vowed to fight the closure to the bitter end .

7.) a bitter pill (to swallow)

something very unpleasant that you must accept

▪ The knowledge that his friends no longer trusted him was a bitter pill to swallow.

>bitterness n [U]

bitter ²

bitter² n

1.) [U and C] BrE

a type of dark beer that is popular in Britain, or a glass of this

▪ A pint of bitter, please.

2.) bitters[U]

a strong bitter liquid made from plants that is added to alcoholic drinks