bitter1 adjectivebitter2 noun
bitterbit‧ter1 /ˈbɪtə $ -ər/ ●●○ S3 W3 adjective 
WORD ORIGINbitter
Origin:
Old English biterEXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
- a bitter east wind
- a bitter legal battle over custody of the children
- I used to be very bitter and angry, but I've gotten over it.
- She shot a bitter glance in his direction and left.
- strong, bitter coffee
- The herb rue has a bitter taste, which makes it unpopular for cooking.
- The medicine tasted bitter.
- The party suffered a bitter defeat in 1964.
- There has been bitter fighting in the hills to the north of the capital.
- Try not to burn the oil, it will make the sauce taste bitter.
- Because he was literate and articulate, he showed a bitter contempt for the self-appointed intellectuals of the inter-war years.
- I ask if I might have some green tea and feel even better as I sip the bitter, warm liquid.
- She loved him so much, and to realise that she was only an episode in his busy life was bitter indeed.
- The citron has the most beautiful fragrance of all the citrus fruits and its pith is not bitter.
- The extract is bitter but tolerable, and the root has the taste of a radish past its prime.
- The wind was bitter, but when they lay down Glover felt the warmth of the sun.
- There is no doubt that the outcome of that long campaign, the Act itself, was a bitter disappointment to working-class radicals.
- What had he done to make Juliet so vengeful and bitter?
THESAURUS
having a strong sharp taste that is not sweet, like black coffee without sugar – used especially about chocolate, medicine etc: · The dessert is made with a slightly bitter chocolate.· Hops give beer its distinctive bitter taste.· The medicine tasted bitter.· As the lettuce gets older, the leaves become more bitter.
having a taste that makes your tongue sting slightly: · Rhubarb has quite a sharp taste.· The cheese has a pleasing colour and a pleasantly sharp flavour.
having a usually unpleasant sharp acid taste, like the taste of a lemon, or a fruit that is not ready to be eaten – used especially about fruit, or about liquids that have gone bad: · Some people say that the purpose of the lemon’s sour taste is to stop the fruit being eaten by animals.· Rachel sampled the wine. It was sour.
very sour – used especially about liquids or things made with fruits such as oranges, lemons, or grapes: · Some fruit juices taste a bit acidic.
having a taste that is pleasantly strong or sharp, and that often tastes a little sweet as well: · The ribs are cooked in a tangy barbecue sauce.
having a taste that lacks sweetness – used especially about fruit such as apples, which you need to add sugar to: · The pudding had rather a tart flavour.· The trees were covered with tart wild plums.
Longman Language Activatorextremely cold weather extremely cold, so that water turns to ice: · The freezing weather continued all through February.it's freezing/freezing cold: · How can you stand to be out here without a coat? It's freezing!
extremely cold so that it almost hurts you to be outdoors: · We arrived in Chicago during the bitterly cold winter of 1935.· a bitter east windit's bitterly cold: · Don't go out tonight. It's bitterly cold.
: arctic conditions/winds/chill extremely cold, usually with ice and snow: · I wouldn't take the car out in these arctic conditions.· He could feel the arctic chill creeping into the cabin.
temperatures that are very cold and below the point at which water freezes: · Subzero temperatures can be expected for the next few days.· Thousands of refugees are spending tonight on a mountainside in subzero temperatures.
with a taste that is not sweet salty foods taste of salt and are not sweet at all: · The french fries were too salty for me.· This wine would be excellent with a salty dish such as ham.
especially British savoury foods are not sweet but have the taste of meat, cheese, fish etc: · You can use this herb to flavour almost any savoury dish.· As a child I didn't like sweets, but I loved crisps, nuts, and anything savoury.
bitter foods, such as coffee without sugar or very dark chocolate, have a strong, sometimes unpleasant taste: · Try not to burn the oil, it will make the sauce taste bitter.· strong, bitter coffee· The herb rue has a bitter taste, which makes it unpopular for cooking.
a dry wine is not sweet at all: · We drank a dry white wine with our fish.· dry sherry
to have a particular taste: taste taste adjective · This milk tastes strange - do you think it's OK to drink?taste like · It's a vegetarian pie, but it tastes just like meat!taste of (=have the taste of something) · I ordered chocolate ice cream but this tastes of coffee.
· The soup had a very strong, spicy taste.
British /flavored American use this to say what kind of taste something has: · We have a variety of flavored waters available.· The potato salad was flavored with onions, the way Mattie liked it.lemon-flavoured/chocolate-flavoured etc (=having the taste of lemon, chocolate etc added): · an orange-flavoured drinkhighly flavoured/strongly flavoured etc: · The wines of Alsace are dry and delicately flavoured.
WORD SETSbackwater, nounbank, nounbank, verbbare, adjectivebarrier reef, nounbay, nounbayou, nounbeach, nounbeck, nounbelt, nounbillow, nounbiting, adjectivebitter, adjectiveblack ice, nounblast, nounblazing, adjectivebleach, verbblizzard, nounblow, verbblowy, adjectivebluff, nounbluster, verbblustery, adjectivebog, nounboiling, adjectiveboulder, nounbracing, adjectivebreaker, nounbreeze, nounbreezy, adjectivebrook, nounbrush, nounbrushwood, nounburn, nounbutte, nouncanyon, nouncascade, nouncataract, nouncave, nouncavern, nounchange, verbchasm, nounchoppy, adjectiveclap, nounclear, verbclement, adjectivecliff, nouncloud, nouncloudburst, nouncloudy, adjectivecoast, nouncoastal, adjectivecoastline, nouncone, nouncopse, nouncountry, nouncranny, nouncrater, nouncreation, nouncreep, verbcrisp, adjectivecrosswind, nouncumulus, nouncyclone, noundale, noundell, noundense, adjectivedew, noundewdrop, noundewfall, noundewy, adjectivedisgorge, verbdog days, noundownpour, noundownriver, adverbdownstream, adverbdownwind, adverbdrift, verbdrift, noundriftwood, noundrizzle, noundrop, verbdrop, noundrought, noundry, adjectivedry land, noundull, adjectivedune, nounduster, noundust storm, nouneast, adjectiveeddy, nounelectrical storm, nounequable, adjectiveeye, nounface, nounfail, verbfair, adjectivefall, nounfell, nounfen, nounfield, nounfierce, adjectivefiord, nounfirth, nounfjord, nounflood, verbflood, nounflood tide, nounflotsam, nounflow, nounflow, verbflower, nounflurry, nounfog, nounfogbound, adjectivefoggy, adjectivefoothill, nounfoothold, nounford, nounforeshore, nounforest, nounfoul, adjectivefreak, adjectivefreeze, nounfresh, adjectivefreshen, verbfreshwater, adjectivefrost, nounfury, noungale, noungale force, adjectivegap, noungentle, adjectivegeyser, nounglacial, adjectiveglen, noungnarled, adjectivegrassy, adjectivegreen, adjectivegreenery, nounground, nounground level, noungulley, noungully, noungust, noungust, verbgusty, adjectivehail, nounhailstone, nounhailstorm, nounhaze, nounheadwind, nounheath, nounheather, nounheat wave, nounhigh tide, nounhigh water, nounhill, nounhillock, nounhillside, nounhill station, nounhilly, adjectivehoarfrost, nounhot spring, nounhummock, nounhurricane, nounice, nouniceberg, nounice cap, nouninclement, adjectiveincline, nounIndian summer, nouninland, adjectiveinland, adverbinlet, nouninshore, adverbisland, nounisle, nounislet, nounjetsam, nounjungle, nounknoll, nounlake, nounlakeside, adjectiveledge, nounlightning, nounlip, nounloch, nounlough, nounlow tide, nounlow water, nounmarshland, nounmeadow, nounmere, nounmild, adjectivemillpond, nounmire, nounmist, nounmisty, adjectivemoan, verbmoan, nounmonsoon, nounmoonless, adjectivemoor, nounmoorland, nounMother Nature, nounmound, nounmountain, nounmountainous, adjectivemountainside, nounmountaintop, nounmouth, nounmudflat, nounmull, nounmurmur, verbmurmur, nounnarrows, nounnestle, verbnew moon, nounnook, nounnorth, adjectivenortheast, adjectivenortheaster, nounnortheasterly, adjectivenortherly, adjectivenorthwest, adjectivenorthwester, nounnorthwesterly, adjectivenotch, nounoasis, nounonshore, adjectiveooze, nounoutcrop, nounovercast, adjectiveozone, nounpack ice, nounpalisade, nounpanorama, nounparch, verbparched, adjectivepass, nounpatchy, adjectivepeak, nounpeal, nounpeasouper, nounpebble, nounpelt, verbpenumbra, nounperishing, adjectivepinewood, nounpinnacle, nounpitiless, adjectivepond, nounpour, verbprecipice, nounprospect, nounpuddle, nounquicksand, nounradiate, verbraging, adjectiverain, nounrainbow, nounrain drop, nounrainfall, nounrainstorm, nounrainwater, nounrainy, adjectiverange, nounrapids, nounrarefied, adjectiveravine, nounraw, adjectiverecede, verbreedy, adjectivereef, nounreservoir, nounridge, nounrift, nounrime, nounrise, verbrise, nounrock, nounrocky, adjectiveroll, verbrolling, adjectiverough, adjectiverural, adjectivescenery, nounscud, verbsea breeze, nounsea mist, nounset, verbshore, nounsky, nounslope, nounsludge, nounsnow, nounsnowbound, adjectivesnow-capped, adjectivesnowdrift, nounsnowfall, nounsnowflake, nounsnowstorm, nounsnowy, adjectivesouth, adjectivesoutheast, adjectivesoutheaster, nounsoutheasterly, adjectivesoutherly, adjectivesouthwest, adjectivesouthwesterly, adjectivespinney, nounspring, nounstream, nounsullen, adjectivesultry, adjectivesummer, nounsummit, nounsun, nounsundown, nounsun-drenched, adjectivesunrise, nounsunset, nounsunshine, nounswamp, nounsweep, verbswollen, adjectivetempestuous, adjectivethaw, verbthaw, nounthicket, nounthin, adjectivethunder, verbthunderbolt, nounthunderstorm, nounthundery, adjectivetide, nountreeless, adjectivetree-lined, adjectivetrough, nounturf, nountussock, nountwilight, nounvale, nounvalley, nounverdant, adjectivevisibility, nounvoid, nounwashout, nounwater, nounwatercourse, nounwaterfall, nounwaterside, nounwaterspout, nounwax, verbwest, adjectivewest, adverbwestbound, adjectivewesterly, adjectivewesternmost, adjectivewestward, adverbwet, adjectivewhirlpool, nounwhirlwind, nounwhite horses, nounwhitewater, nounwild, adjectivewill o' the wisp, nounwind, nounwindstorm, nounwindswept, adjectivewindy, adjectivewood, nounwooded, adjectivewoodland, nounwoodsy, adjectivewoody, adjectivezephyr, noun
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE ENTRY Meaning 3nouns
The tragic irony is that the drug was supposed to save lives. a bitter wrangle over copyrightCOLLOCATIONS FROM THE CORPUSNOUN
· There was a bitter battle over the building of the new airport.
· The law was passed after a bitter fight that lasted nearly a decade.
· The stage is set for a bitter conflict with trade unions.
· The country now faces a bitter debate over the issue.
· There were reports of bitter disagreement between the European Communities.
· The new tax aroused bitter opposition.
(=a rival/enemy who you have strong feelings of dislike or anger about)· The two men are bitter rivals for the party leadership.
COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES (=angry)· The dispute was marked by bitter accusations from both sides.
· There are bitter arguments about whether he was a hero or a war criminal.
(=extremely disappointing)· Their defeat was a bitter blow.
(=dark chocolate with a strong sharp taste)· Bitter chocolate may be added to meat sauces for extra flavour.
(=involving violence and strong feelings)· Fierce clashes swept across Bosnia and Croatia.
(=an angry one)· Several pensioners passed some bitter comments.
(=a very angry one)· The people are full of bitter complaints about their government.
(=very angry)· The new law provoked bitter conflict.
(=involving very angry feelings)· The strike was called off, amid bitter controversy.
(=involving angry feelings)· The prison system has been the object of fierce criticism.
· There are reports of bitter disagreement between the EU and the US over this issue.
(=feeling disappointed in a very unhappy and upset way)· The fans felt bitter disappointment at England's failure to qualify for the finals.
(=very angry)· It caused a bitter dispute between the neighbouring republics.
(=involving very angry feelings)· After a long and bitter divorce, Wendy was looking forward to starting a new life.
(=enemies who hate each other very much)· When these former friends quarrelled over money, they became bitter enemies.
(=one in which people criticize each other with strong feelings of hate and anger)· There were bitter exchanges between them outside the court room.
(=experience that makes you feel disappointed or upset)· I knew from bitter experience how unreliable she could be.
· The flavor was like peaches, but not as sweet.
(=hatred that is felt very strongly)· What, I wondered, had I done to provoke such deep hatred?
The tragic irony is that the drug was supposed to save lives. British English (=beer served from a keg)
(=a very strong opponent, who often expresses their opinions angrily)· She became well-known as a bitter opponent of slavery.
(=involving strong feelings of anger or hatred)· They are locked in a bitter quarrel over ownership of the land.
(=when you feel sad and angry)· To the bitter regret of his party, he refused to call an election.
(=very strong)· Heavy-handed policing caused bitter resentment.
(=one that hates you)· They have long been bitter rivals.
(=with angry feelings between workers and managers)· The miners finally returned to work at the end of a long, bitter strike.
· The brandy would not have masked the bitter taste of the poison.
· He handed me some black stuff which tasted bitter.
· She wept bitter tears of remorse for leaving her children behind.
(=very cold)· She shivered in the icy wind.
a bitter wrangle over copyright· The issue of potency level has been a source of the bitterest argument between practitioners since Hom£opathy began.· After a bitter argument when Albee was a teen-ager, she threw him out of the house.· But defining and ranking these concepts produced some of the drafters' bitterest arguments.
· He also launched a bitter attack on the judiciary, accusing it of corruption.
· It would also help if he had been engaged in a much publicised and bitter battle with the Prime Minister.· In the United States, an ever-more bitter battle had been fought around this issue since abortion was legalized in 1972.· But a press backlash did get into gear, leaving a handful of diehard music writers to fight a bitter battle.· A bitter battle is fought as to whether it should be six or five or four.
· It was a bitter blow when the trustees preferred the reprint.· The loss of that partner through death, either shortly before retirement or afterwards, comes as a bitter blow.· It was a particularly bitter blow for Leeds, because in the very first minute they should have levelled the tie.· So defeat was a bitter blow to Dowding.
· Nothing for certain but the dark weather and the bitter cold.· Mormons sang and danced to fight off the bitter cold of Iowa in winter.· I got dressed quickly in the bitter cold of the room, and washed when I could.· Hunger and the bitter cold would have reduced bird numbers and driven species to flock in the open fields.· When she emerged into the car park the bitter cold enveloped her insidiously; it had been so much milder in Keyhole.
· During the tumultuous years that followed, Nottinghamshire was to play a major role in the bitter conflict.· Today, the Mirror looks back to the first tragic deaths in one of the world's longest and more bitter conflicts.· The 1890s and early 1900s saw a series of bitter conflicts associated with drives for union recognition.· No one can deny that many of the most bitter conflicts in the world today have religious components to them.
· A bitter debate over cuts opened with Labour's proposal to cut about £700,000 from pre-five education.· Both demolition projects set off bitter debates.· The idea of rewarding groups is also gaining steam in the bitter debate over merit pay for teachers.· The number of permissible House terms has been a subject of bitter debate.
· There is no doubt that the outcome of that long campaign, the Act itself, was a bitter disappointment to working-class radicals.· Except, of course, for the bitter disappointment of his day lilies.· Even in pure mathematics, he met with one bitter disappointment.· To your bitter disappointment your request to go to a meeting in another town is turned down. 7.· At this point he was overcome with bitter disappointment.· Their bitter disappointment with Netanyahu and his government was not primarily political.· This was a bitter disappointment to Oliver, but his new friends were still as kind to him as ever.· Bishop carefully watched as first bitter disappointment and then professional concern chased startled horror from the woman's face.
· It is now the subject of a bitter dispute between the neighbouring republics.· Exactly when the Gingrich case will come to a close has become a matter of bitter dispute.· The parts makers must therefore take some pleasure in Mr Lopez's increasingly bitter dispute with his former employer.· The biggest gains and the most bitter disputes arise over trades between north and south.· The bill has bogged down in bitter disputes over the balance between law enforcement and civil liberties.
· He would fight my case to the bitter end, he vowed.· I stayed to the bitter end.· And there, some plunging sense of his own inadequacy assured him, he would find the bitter end of his search.· Master Yehudi always won, and he went on winning to the bitter end.· He at least was ready to slug it out to the bitter end.· Do I intend to campaign to the bitter end?· But a promise is a promise and we have to pursue this thing to the bitter end.· He must be seen to be productive until the bitter end.
· Both Rennenkampf and Samsonov had distinguished military records as cavalry commanders in Manchuria, but they had quarrelled and become bitter enemies.· The southern conviction that the Republicans were bitter enemies of slavery precipitated this decision.· In the course of time he and Richard were to become fellow-crusaders and bitter enemies.· The two neighbors fought a war from 1980 to 1988 and still are bitter enemies.· He felt humiliated and helpless; his bitter enemy and master, Hassanali Fakhru, stood in the doorway and spoke.
· Union attitudes have been powerfully conditioned by long and bitter experience.· Yet he knew from bitter experience that forging such a bond in the late twentieth century entailed experimentation and error.· I've learnt that from bitter experience!· Had she forgotten the bitter experience of her own childhood?· All three, from their different perspectives, and each with bitter experience, saw the dangers of noble egoism.· She knew from bitter experience how treacherous such feelings could be, and the blind alleyways down which they led.· Some of these fears have been forged out of bitter experience.· Many had also learnt from bitter experience that a good education was needed in the continuing battle against colour prejudice.
· Passage of the 1994 law came after a bitter fight that lasted nearly a decade.· The United States will continue to furnish you and your people with the fullest measure of support in this bitter fight.
· Raw berries should be cooked and sweetened before being eaten because they have an intensely bitter flavour.
· The bitter irony was that the whole plan had been her idea right from the start.· His work is thus marked with a bitter irony which permeated not only the substance of his theory but also its method.· And the bitterest irony of all was that he himself was a victim.· It was a bitter irony that he condemned her for loving a man who was out of reach.
· She shook her head as a short, unexpectedly bitter laugh bubbled up from her chest.· A bitter laugh rose up like bile in her throat.
· Now she didn't even have that - just a few bitter memories.· To those present dangers are added bitter memories.· Isabel moved restlessly as bitter memories engulfed her.· Old and bitter memories welled up inside her once more.
· Even his most bitter opponents are keeping their heads down.· Ironically, the firm which achieved success in this area - CIT-Alcatel - was the most bitter opponent of Giscard d'Estaing.
· The traditionalist camp has had to swallow some bitter pills.· Its failure to comfort is just another bitter pill.· Lamb and Botham had to swallow the very bitter pill of being dropped.· We were in such a state we decided to swallow what seemed the bitter pill of Thatcherism.· And we can speak up to tell them that bitter pills are indigestible.· It was a bitter pill for the 117 men listed to swallow with their Thanksgiving turkey yesterday.· It was a bit of a blow, a bitter pill to swallow.
· Early returns show bitter rival and outgoing President Slobodan Milosevic well ahead in the race.· Six teams are bitter rivals in what will be a fight to the finish.
· A bitter smile crossed his face as his eyes ranged over the top men in the giant corporation.· A bitter smile touched his lips at that, for hadn't Grainne long since been lost?· He smiled a small bitter smile, and pushed the white folder aside.
· It will be a bitter struggle against myself but I know I can do it.· The Buccaneers, locked in a bitter struggle for a new stadium, could attempt to leave Tampa Bay after next season.· But the Bolsheviks were determined to frustrate them and immediately after October a bitter struggle ensued between the workers and the party.· They would not understand what a bitter struggle my whole life has been.· He contrasts the love themes of Romeo and Juliet with those which accompany the bitter struggles and fights between Montague and Capulet.· This bitter struggle was personified by the Soong family, for years rent by political differences and petty jealousies.· It was a long and bitter struggle with great losses on both sides, causing a serious weakening of the imperial army.· Today's move is expected to be the conclusion of a bitter struggle for control of the group.
· The pills left a bitter taste, a raging thirst and pent-up energy for which there was no outlet.· Right now the bitter taste matched her mood.· Sweet as the victory over polio was, one medical historian wrote: It left a slightly bitter taste in many mouths.· Then look at each one very carefully, removing any yellowish pieces, which may give the finished dish a bitter taste.· Even after swallowing it, its bitter taste lingered long in my mouth.· But Kenny Brown's reply left a bitter taste in their mouths.· She had tasted the fear of being cast out, and it left a bitter taste in her mouth.
· The bright images of individual stars elongated and blurred into melting crystalline shapes as bitter tears pricked in Vologsky's eyes.· Hot, bitter tears rolled down her cheeks, and with them came back the noise of the street.· Just that one brief moment of madness ... Then the bitter tears of self-reproach.· Finally he lay prone, still, exhausted; and bitter tears oozed out between his eyelids.· Fighting back the sting of bitter tears, Lissa straightened her clothes, and left the office by a back door.· She buried her face in her hands and burst into bitter tears.· Inside the coach I cried the bitterest tears of my life.
· He came out of the station restaurant into the bitter wind and strode across the car park.· A bitter wind whips across the seared fields and bristly pastures behind the produce stand.· Early that January a bitter wind blowing off the far Urals seized East Anglia in a grip of ice.· Holly stepped out into the bitter wind.· A cold, bitter wind blows through the branches, its whistling filled with the cries of tormented souls.· A bitter wind scurried among the branches of the trees that rose above and behind the stark line of old-fashioned eagle cages.· Her eyes were half-closed and her cheeks were stiff with the numbing cold of the bitter wind.· The farm was beside Lake Eyrie and rain, along with bitter winds, would sweep over the vineyard.
· Oxfam say woman and children are particularly at risk from the bitter winter weather.· The bitter winter had all the country in its grip.· That was a bitter winter in all ways.
PHRASES FROM THE ENTRY
1feeling angry, jealous, and upset because you think you have been treated unfairlybitter about- Campaigners vowed to carry on the struggle to the bitter end.
- Despite his injury, Johnson carried on playing on to the bitter end.
- But a promise is a promise and we have to pursue this thing to the bitter end.
- Do I intend to campaign to the bitter end?
- He at least was ready to slug it out to the bitter end.
- He would fight my case to the bitter end, he vowed.
- Hereford left it to the bitter end to secure their 1-1 draw.
- I stayed to the bitter end.
- Master Yehudi always won, and he went on winning to the bitter end.
- They vowed to fight to the bitter end to stop it.
- Losing the business was a bitter pill to swallow.
- It was a bitter pill for the 117 men listed to swallow with their Thanksgiving turkey yesterday.
- It was a bit of a blow, a bitter pill to swallow.
I feel very bitter about it. a bitter old man2[only before noun] making you feel very unhappy and upseta bitter disappointment/blow If he failed, it would be a bitter disappointment to his parents. His photo stirred up bitter memories.from bitter experience (=because of your own very unpleasant experiences) She knew from bitter experience that it would be impossible to talk it over with Julian.3a bitter argument, battle etc is one in which people oppose or criticize each other with strong feelings of hate and angerbitter dispute/battle/struggle etc The couple are locked in a bitter battle for custody of the children. The government faces bitter opposition to these policies. The countries are still bitter enemies.4having a strong sharp taste, like black coffee without sugar: Enjoy the beer’s bitter taste as you slowly drink it. bitter chocolate► see thesaurus at taste5unpleasantly cold: a bitter wind the bitter cold of the Midwestern winters6to the bitter end continuing until the end, even though this is difficult: Employees have vowed to fight the closure to the bitter end.7a bitter pill (to swallow) something very unpleasant that you must accept: The knowledge that his friends no longer trusted him was a bitter pill to swallow.—bitterness noun [uncountable]COLLOCATIONS– Meaning 3nounsa bitter battle/dispute· There was a bitter battle over the building of the new airport.a bitter fight/struggle· The law was passed after a bitter fight that lasted nearly a decade.a bitter conflict· The stage is set for a bitter conflict with trade unions.a bitter debate/argument· The country now faces a bitter debate over the issue.bitter disagreement· There were reports of bitter disagreement between the European Communities.bitter opposition· The new tax aroused bitter opposition.a bitter rival/enemy (=a rival/enemy who you have strong feelings of dislike or anger about)· The two men are bitter rivals for the party leadership.THESAURUSbitter having a strong sharp taste that is not sweet, like black coffee without sugar – used especially about chocolate, medicine etc: · The dessert is made with a slightly bitter chocolate.· Hops give beer its distinctive bitter taste.· The medicine tasted bitter.· As the lettuce gets older, the leaves become more bitter.sharp having a taste that makes your tongue sting slightly: · Rhubarb has quite a sharp taste.· The cheese has a pleasing colour and a pleasantly sharp flavour.sour having a usually unpleasant sharp acid taste, like the taste of a lemon, or a fruit that is not ready to be eaten – used especially about fruit, or about liquids that have gone bad: · Some people say that the purpose of the lemon’s sour taste is to stop the fruit being eaten by animals.· Rachel sampled the wine. It was sour.acidic very sour – used especially about liquids or things made with fruits such as oranges, lemons, or grapes: · Some fruit juices taste a bit acidic.tangy having a taste that is pleasantly strong or sharp, and that often tastes a little sweet as well: · The ribs are cooked in a tangy barbecue sauce.tart having a taste that lacks sweetness – used especially about fruit such as apples, which you need to add sugar to: · The pudding had rather a tart flavour.· The trees were covered with tart wild plums.bitter1 adjectivebitter2 noun
bitterbitter2 noun THESAURUSdescribing the taste of something
having a very good taste: · This cake is delicious!· a delicious meal
having a very bad taste: · The medicine tasted disgusting.· They had to eat revolting things, like fish eyes.
tasting full of sugar: · The oranges were very sweet.
especially spoken tasting good and with plenty of flavour: · She cooked us a simple but tasty meal.· That was really tasty!
having a taste that stings your tongue slightly, like lemon does – used especially when this is rather unpleasant: · The apples were a little sour.· The wine has rather a tart taste, which not everyone will like.
having a taste that stings your tongue slightly, like lemon does, in a way that seems good: · The dressing was nice and tangy.
having a strong taste which is not sweet and is sometimes rather unpleasant – used for example about black coffee, or chocolate without sugar: · bitter chocolate· The medicine had rather a bitter taste.· Hops give beer its distinctive bitter taste.
containing a lot of salt: · Danish salami has a salty flavour.
having a burning taste because it contains strong spices: · I love hot curries.· a spicy tomato sauce
formal a little spicy – used especially by people who write about food. This word can sound rather pretentious in everyday conversation: · cooked vegetables in a piquant sauce
not having a strong or hot taste – usually used about foods that can sometimes be spicy: · a mild curry
not having an interesting taste: · I found the sauce rather bland.
a general word for an alcoholic drink made from malt and hops: · a bottle of beer· Let’s go and have a beer in the pub.
a light-coloured beer, which often has a lot of bubbles in it: · A pint of lager, please.
a type of beer which is usually sold in a bottle or a can: · Beers and fine ales were brewed here for over a hundred years.· Newcastle Brown Ale
British English, draft beer American English beer that is served from a large container rather than a bottle, especially good quality beer: · The pub serves a range of draught beers.
British English beer that has been made in the, traditional way, not in a large factory: · The pub has real ale and live music most nights.
British English a type of dark strong beer that is popular in Britain: · I'll have a pint of bitter.
a drink made of beer mixed with lemonade: · I'd better have a shandy - I'm driving.
an alcoholic drink made from apples: · His clothes were old and dirty, and he stank of cider.
WORD SETSabsinth, nounalcohol, nounale, nounalehouse, nounaperitif, nounbaby milk, nounbar, nounbarfly, nounbarhop, verbbarkeeper, nounbarley wine, nounbarmaid, nounbarman, nounbartender, nounbeef tea, nounbeer, nounbenedictine, nounbeverage, nounbibulous, adjectivebistro, nounbitter, nounblack, adjectivebootleg, verbbooze, nounboozer, nounbooze-up, nounboozing, nounboozy, adjectivebottle, verbbouquet, nounbourbon, nounbrandy, nounbreathe, verbbrew, verbbrew, nounbrewer, nounbrewery, nounbroach, verbBuck's Fizz, nounburgundy, nounbuttermilk, nouncamomile, nouncappuccino, nouncarbonated, adjectivecask, nouncellar, nounchalice, nounchampagne, nounchampers, nounchar, nounchartreuse, nounchaser, nounChelsea bun, nounchocolate, nouncider, nounclaret, nounclub soda, nouncoaster, nounCoca-Cola, cocktail, nouncocktail lounge, nouncocktail shaker, nouncocktail stick, nouncocktail waitress, nouncocoa, nouncoffee, nouncoffee bar, nouncoffee bean, nouncoffee machine, nouncoffeemaker, nouncoffee mill, nouncognac, nouncola, nounconsommé, nouncordial, nouncork, nouncork, verbcorkage, nouncorked, adjectivecorkscrew, nouncorn whiskey, nouncrème de menthe, nouncup, nouncuppa, nouncuraçao, noundaiquiri, noundecaf, noundecaffeinated, adjectivedecanter, noundessert wine, noundipsomaniac, noundissipated, adjectivedissipation, noundissolute, adjectivedistiller, noundistillery, noundram, noundraught, noundregs, noundried milk, noundrink, verbdrink, noundrinkable, adjectivedrinking fountain, noundrinking-up time, noundrinking water, noundrinks machine, noundrinks party, noundrop, noundry, adjectiveDutch courage, nounespresso, nounethyl alcohol, nounferment, verbfinger, nounfizz, nounflat, adjectivefloat, nounfortified wine, nounfroth, nounfroth, verbfrothy, adjectivefull-cream, adjectiveGandT, noungassy, adjectivegin, noungin and tonic, nounginger ale, nounginger beer, nounglass, noungreen tea, noungrenadine, noungrog, noungumbo, nounhalf, nounhalf-and-half, nounhangover, nounhappy hour, nounhead, nounhighball, nounhip flask, nounhock, nounhogshead, nounhome brew, nounhooch, nounhot chocolate, nounice bucket, nounice cube, nounice water, nouninfuse, verbinfusion, nounintoxicant, nounintoxicating, adjectiveIrish coffee, nounjar, nounjigger, nounjuice, nounkeg, nounkirsch, nounlace, verblager, nounlandlord, nounlemon, nounlemonade, nounlicensed, adjectivelicensing laws, nounlight, adjectivelight ale, nounlimeade, nounliqueur, nounliquor, nounlite, adjectivelocal, nounlounge bar, nounMadeira, nounmagnum, nounmalt, nounmalted, nounmalt liquor, nounmaraschino, nounmargarita, nounMartini, nounmash, nounmature, adjectivemature, verbmead, nounmeasure, nounmellow, verbmilk, nounmilk shake, nounmilky, adjectivemineral water, nounmint julep, nounmix, verbmixer, nounmocha, nounmoonshine, nounmulled wine, nounneat, adjectivenectar, nounnightcap, nounnip, nounnoggin, nounnon-alcoholic, adjectiveoff-licence, nounopen bar, nounorangeade, nounouzo, nounpale ale, nounparalytic, adjectivepasteurized, adjectivepercolate, verbperk, verbperry, nounpick-me-up, nounpiña colada, nounpink gin, nounpint, nounplonk, nounpop, nounport, nounporter, nounprohibitionist, nounproof, nounpunch, nounquaff, verbrake, nounrat-arsed, adjectivered, nounrefill, nounrefreshment, nounretsina, nounring-pull, nounroot beer, nounrosé, nounrotgut, nounrum, nounrye, nounsake, nounsaloon, nounsangria, nounsarsaparilla, nounschnapps, nounScotch, nounscrewdriver, nounscrumpy, nounsediment, nounsemi-skimmed milk, nounshake, nounshaker, nounshandy, nounshebeen, nounsherry, nounshort, nounshot, nounsiphon, nounsix-pack, nounskimmed milk, nounslimline, adjectivesloe gin, nounslug, nounslush, nounsnifter, nounsoda, nounsoda siphon, nounsoda water, nounsoft drink, nounsparkling, adjectivespeakeasy, nounspike, verbspirit, nounsplash, nounspritzer, nounsquash, nounstein, nounstewed, adjectivestill, adjectivestill, nounstout, nounstraight, adjectivestraw, nounsundowner, nounsup, verbswig, verbswill, verbswizzle stick, nountab, nountable wine, nountall, adjectivetankard, nountavern, nountea, nounteabag, nounteahouse, nountea leaves, nountearoom, nountea shop, nountea urn, nountemperance, nountequila, nountied house, nountippler, nountoddy, nountonic, nountop-up, nountot, nounTurkish coffee, nountwo-percent milk, nounUHT milk, noununcork, verbvermouth, nounvintage, adjectivevintage, nounvintner, nounvodka, nounwater, verbwatering hole, nounweak, adjectivewet bar, nounwhisky, nounwhite, adjectivewine cooler, nounwrecked, adjectiveyeast, noun
COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES The tragic irony is that the drug was supposed to save lives. a bitter wrangle over copyright
1[countable, uncountable] British English a type of dark beer that is popular in Britain, or a glass of this: (=angry)· The dispute was marked by bitter accusations from both sides.
· There are bitter arguments about whether he was a hero or a war criminal.
(=extremely disappointing)· Their defeat was a bitter blow.
(=dark chocolate with a strong sharp taste)· Bitter chocolate may be added to meat sauces for extra flavour.
(=involving violence and strong feelings)· Fierce clashes swept across Bosnia and Croatia.
(=an angry one)· Several pensioners passed some bitter comments.
(=a very angry one)· The people are full of bitter complaints about their government.
(=very angry)· The new law provoked bitter conflict.
(=involving very angry feelings)· The strike was called off, amid bitter controversy.
(=involving angry feelings)· The prison system has been the object of fierce criticism.
· There are reports of bitter disagreement between the EU and the US over this issue.
(=feeling disappointed in a very unhappy and upset way)· The fans felt bitter disappointment at England's failure to qualify for the finals.
(=very angry)· It caused a bitter dispute between the neighbouring republics.
(=involving very angry feelings)· After a long and bitter divorce, Wendy was looking forward to starting a new life.
(=enemies who hate each other very much)· When these former friends quarrelled over money, they became bitter enemies.
(=one in which people criticize each other with strong feelings of hate and anger)· There were bitter exchanges between them outside the court room.
(=experience that makes you feel disappointed or upset)· I knew from bitter experience how unreliable she could be.
· The flavor was like peaches, but not as sweet.
(=hatred that is felt very strongly)· What, I wondered, had I done to provoke such deep hatred?
The tragic irony is that the drug was supposed to save lives. British English (=beer served from a keg)
(=a very strong opponent, who often expresses their opinions angrily)· She became well-known as a bitter opponent of slavery.
(=involving strong feelings of anger or hatred)· They are locked in a bitter quarrel over ownership of the land.
(=when you feel sad and angry)· To the bitter regret of his party, he refused to call an election.
(=very strong)· Heavy-handed policing caused bitter resentment.
(=one that hates you)· They have long been bitter rivals.
(=with angry feelings between workers and managers)· The miners finally returned to work at the end of a long, bitter strike.
· The brandy would not have masked the bitter taste of the poison.
· He handed me some black stuff which tasted bitter.
· She wept bitter tears of remorse for leaving her children behind.
(=very cold)· She shivered in the icy wind.
a bitter wrangle over copyright A pint of bitter, please.► see thesaurus at taste2bitters [uncountable] a strong bitter liquid made from plants that is added to alcoholic drinks