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adv B2 Upper-Intermediate Uncommon

bitterly

BIH-tuh-lee

Bitterly (adv) means In a bitter, resentful manner. Example: “He complained bitterly about the unfair decision.”

adv
1
In a bitter, resentful manner.
"He complained bitterly about the unfair decision."
2
Used as an intensifier meaning extremely, especially with cold or disappointment.
"It was bitterly cold on the mountain that night."

How to use bitterly

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishWith resentment or harshness, or as an intensifier meaning "extremely" (especially for cold or disappointment).

Common pairings
bitterly cold bitterly disappointed complain bitterly

Word forms

more bitterly comparative, most bitterly superlative

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He complained _____ about the unfair decision.

Etymology

From Old English biterlīce, formed from "bitter" plus the adverb suffix "-ly".

Origin: Old English

bitter bitingly piercingly

Related words

Rhymes for bitterly

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Frequently asked questions

What does “bitterly” mean?

The word “bitterly” means in a bitter, resentful manner. In plain terms, with resentment or harshness, or as an intensifier meaning "extremely" (especially for cold or disappointment).

How do you pronounce “bitterly”?

“Bitterly” is pronounced BIH-tuh-lee (/ˈbɪtəɹli/ in IPA).

How do you use “bitterly” in a sentence?

Here is “bitterly” used in a sentence: “He complained bitterly about the unfair decision.”

What part of speech is “bitterly”?

“Bitterly” is an adverb.

Where does the word “bitterly” come from?

The word “bitterly” comes from Old English. From Old English biterlīce, formed from "bitter" plus the adverb suffix "-ly".

Is “bitterly” a common word?

“Bitterly” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.

How many meanings does “bitterly” have?

“Bitterly” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: in a bitter, resentful manner.

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