bitterness
UK: ˈbɪtənəs | US: ˈbɪtərnəs
n. 1. A sharp, unpleasant taste; the quality of being bitter.
n. 2. Feelings of anger, hurt, or resentment.
n. 3. Harshness or severity, as of weather or conditions.
The word "bitterness" originates from the Old English "biter" (meaning sharp or cutting, both literally and figuratively), combined with the suffix "-ness," which forms abstract nouns indicating a state or quality. "Biter" itself traces back to Proto-Germanic *bitraz, linked to biting or piercing sensations. Over time, "bitter" evolved to describe both physical taste (e.g., bitter herbs) and emotional intensity (e.g., bitter anger), with "-ness" solidifying its abstract noun form by the Middle English period.
The bitterness of the dark chocolate surprised her.
His voice carried a tone of bitterness after the argument.
The bitterness of winter made travel difficult.
She couldn’t hide the bitterness in her words.
The medicine’s bitterness made the child refuse to take it.