noun
Uncommon
bitterness
BIH-tuh-nuhs
Bitterness (noun) means a sharp, unpleasant taste, the opposite of sweetness. Example: “The bitterness of the coffee surprised her after the sugar ran out.”
noun
1
A sharp, unpleasant taste, the opposite of sweetness.
"The bitterness of the coffee surprised her after the sugar ran out."
"Too much bitterness in the sauce ruined the dish."
2
A lasting feeling of resentment or anger, often from being treated unfairly.
"Years after the divorce, there was still bitterness between them."
"He spoke about the layoff with obvious bitterness."
How to use bitterness
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEither a sharp taste or a sharp, lingering feeling of resentment.
Common pairings
a sense of bitterness
bitterness toward someone
the bitterness of defeat
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Word forms
- Plural
- bitternesses
Fill the gap
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The _____ of the coffee surprised her after the sugar ran out.
Etymology
From Old English biternes, built from bitter plus the noun-forming suffix -ness.
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for bitterness
See all rhymes for bitterness →Frequently asked questions
What does “bitterness” mean?
The word “bitterness” means a sharp, unpleasant taste, the opposite of sweetness. In plain terms, either a sharp taste or a sharp, lingering feeling of resentment.
How do you pronounce “bitterness”?
“Bitterness” is pronounced BIH-tuh-nuhs (/ˈbɪtənəs/ in IPA).
How do you use “bitterness” in a sentence?
Here is “bitterness” used in a sentence: “The bitterness of the coffee surprised her after the sugar ran out.”
What is another word for “bitterness”?
Words with a similar meaning to “bitterness” include acerbicness, acridity, acridness, acerbity, alkalinity and astringency.
What is the opposite of “bitterness”?
The opposite of “bitterness” — its antonyms — is sweetness.
What part of speech is “bitterness”?
“Bitterness” is a noun.
Where does the word “bitterness” come from?
The word “bitterness” comes from Old English. From Old English biternes, built from bitter plus the noun-forming suffix -ness.
Is “bitterness” a common word?
“Bitterness” is an uncommon word in modern English.
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