bitterness

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: B2 — Upper-Intermediate

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun a feeling of deep and bitter anger and ill-will
  2. noun a rough and bitter manner
  3. noun the taste experience when quinine or coffee is taken into the mouth

Etymology

From Middle English bitternesse, biternesse, from Old English biternes (“bitterness; grief”), equivalent to bitter + -ness.

In classic literature

Synonyms

resentment, gall, rancor, rancour

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