English Profile

bitter · adjective

/ˈbɪt̬.ər/Full view

bitter (TASTE)

B1 with an unpleasantly sharp taste

Dictionary example:

a bitter taste

Learner example:

And due to these bizarre situations I went through as a little boy, everything related to shopping seems like a bitter liquid which I'm forced to drink. (First Certificate in English; B2; Portuguese)

bitter (ANGRY)

B2 angry and upset because of something bad that has happened that you cannot forget

Dictionary examples:

I feel very bitter about my childhood and the way I was treated.

She'd suffered terribly over the years but it hadn't made her bitter.

Learner example:

What can be more real than when your lover is gone or taken away your own soul is also alone, bitter and dark and there is nothing else than feelings of rev[e]nge, anger, frustration and sadness? (First Certificate in English; B2; Spanish)

bitter (HATE)

B2 full of hate or anger

Dictionary example:

a bitter argument/dispute

Learner example:

Every time they met, a bitter feeling of hatre[d] bloomed in her throat. (First Certificate in English; B2; Spanish)

bitter (DISAPPOINTED)

B2 making you feel very disappointed

Dictionary examples:

Failing the final exam was a bitter disappointment for me.

She learned through bitter experience that he was not to be trusted.

Learner example:

Now, I've already recovered from this bitter experience. (First Certificate in English; B2; Japanese)

bitter (COLD)

B2 extremely cold

Dictionary example:

a bitter wind

to/till/until the bitter end

C2 If you do something to/till/until the bitter end, you continue it until it is finished, although it is difficult and takes a long time.

Dictionary example:

The president fought for his plan to the bitter end.

Learner example:

We are willing to talk and find alternatives to the situation, but we are also ready to fight till the bitter end to stand for our rights. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Portuguese)