bitter
UK: ˈbɪtə | US: ˈbɪtər
adj. having a sharp, pungent taste or smell
adj. causing emotional pain or resentment
adj. harsh or severe (e.g., weather)
The word "bitter" traces back to Old English biter, derived from Proto-Germanic bitraz, meaning "biting" or "sharp." The root bitt- is linked to the verb "bite," reflecting the sensory experience of sharpness (taste or emotion). The suffix -er originally functioned as a comparative marker but became fossilized in this adjective. Over time, "bitter" expanded from describing physical taste to metaphorical harshness (e.g., "bitter cold" or "bitter feelings").
The coffee was too bitter for her taste.
He felt bitter about losing the competition.
A bitter wind blew across the plains.
Her bitter remarks hurt everyone in the room.
The medicine left a bitter aftertaste.