Search results for 'bitter':

bitter adj (bitterer, bitterest) 1 having a sharp, acid and often unpleasant taste. Compare salt, sour, sweet, smooth. 2 feeling or causing sadness or pain • bitter memories. 3 difficult to accept • a bitter disappointment. 4 showing an intense persistent feeling of dislike, hatred or opposition • bitter resentment. 5 said of words, etc: sharp; acrimonious. 6 said of the weather, etc: extremely and painfully cold. noun, Brit a type of beer with a slightly bitter taste, strongly flavoured with hops. Compare mil. noun. bitterly adverb 1 in a bitter manner, especially with fierce resentment. 2 extremely; painfully • bitterly cold. bitterness noun. a bitter pill to swallow something difficult or unpleasant to accept, such as an unwelcome fact.
ETYMOLOGY: Anglo-Saxon biter, from bitan to bite.