— bitterish , adj. — bitterly , adv. — bitterness , n.
/bit"euhr/ , adj., bitterer, bitterest , n., v., adv.
adj.
1. having a harsh, disagreeably acrid taste, like that of aspirin, quinine, wormwood, or aloes.
2. producing one of the four basic taste sensations; not sour, sweet, or salt.
3. hard to bear; grievous; distressful: a bitter sorrow.
4. causing pain; piercing; stinging: a bitter chill.
5. characterized by intense antagonism or hostility: bitter hatred.
6. hard to admit or accept: a bitter lesson.
7. resentful or cynical: bitter words.
n.
8. that which is bitter; bitterness: Learn to take the bitter with the sweet.
9. Brit. a very dry ale having a strong taste of hops.
v.t.
10. to make bitter: herbs employed to bitter vermouth.
adv.
11. extremely; very; exceedingly: a bitter cold night.
[ bef. 1000; ME, OE biter; c. G bitter, ON bitr, Goth baitrs; akin to BITE ]
Syn. 1. acrid, biting, distasteful. 3. distressing, poignant, painful. 4. biting, nipping. 5. fierce, cruel, ruthless, relentless. 7. acrimonious, caustic, sardonic, scornful.