How Do You Spell BITTER?

Pronunciation: [bˈɪtə] (IPA)

The word "bitter" is spelled with the letters b-i-t-t-e-r. In IPA (International Phonetic Alphabet), it is transcribed as /ˈbɪtər/. This phonetic transcription represents the English pronunciation of the word. The first sound, /b/, is a voiced bilabial stop, pronounced with a closure of the lips. The following sound, /ɪ/, is a short vowel sound, pronounced with the tongue high in the mouth. The final sound, /r/, is a voiced alveolar approximant, pronounced with the tongue curled back towards the roof of the mouth.

BITTER Meaning and Definition

  1. Bitter is an adjective that describes a strong, unpleasant taste or feeling characterized by sharpness and intensity. In reference to taste, it is often associated with a sour, acidic, or astringent flavor that can be unpalatable to some individuals. It is the opposite of sweetness, lacking in the presence of sugar or other sweetening elements. Bitterness in taste can be found in certain foods and drinks like coffee, dark chocolate, grapefruits, and some vegetables. It is often used figuratively to describe an unpleasant experience or feeling, such as disappointment, resentment, or envy, which leaves a lingering negative impression.

    Additionally, bitter can also depict a person who displays a cynical and resentful attitude, often resulting from past disappointments or hardships. Such individuals may express unpleasantness or hostility in their demeanor or discourse.

    Moreover, the term bitter can refer to a substance with medicinal properties that stimulate the production of gastric juices, promoting digestion. These substances, known as bitters, are often derived from various roots, herbs, or fruits.

    In summary, bitter refers to an intense and displeasing taste, a negative emotional state, a cynical personality, or a substance that enhances digestion.

  2. Having a taste like that of strychnine or quinine.

    A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

  3. • Bitterness.
    • A plant.
    • Sharp; biting to the taste; severe; reproachful; painful to the feelings or mind; distressing.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Top Common Misspellings for BITTER *

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for BITTER

Etymology of BITTER

The word "bitter" originated from the Old English word "biter", which was derived from the Proto-Germanic word "bitraz". This Proto-Germanic term ultimately traces back to the Proto-Indo-European root "*bheid-" or "*bheidh-", meaning "to bite" or "to split". The original sense of "bitter" referred to a sharp, biting taste, similar to the sensation of being bitten. Over time, the term became associated with the taste of substances like quinine, unsweetened chocolate, and certain vegetables, which are now commonly described as bitter.

Idioms with the word BITTER

  • a bitter pill (to swallow) The idiom "a bitter pill (to swallow)" refers to something unpleasant, difficult, or disappointing that one must accept and deal with, even though it is hard to do so. It often implies that the situation or information is hard to accept but must be acknowledged or faced.
  • to the bitter end The idiom "to the bitter end" is an expression used to describe an unwavering commitment or persistence to continue with a task, situation, or relationship until it reaches its inevitable conclusion, regardless of the challenges, setbacks, or hardships encountered along the way. It implies a resolve to see something through to its completion, regardless of the difficulty or unpleasantness involved.
  • Take the bitter with the sweet. The idiom "Take the bitter with the sweet" means to accept or endure both the negative and positive aspects of a situation, to face difficulties or disappointments along with the enjoyable or rewarding elements. It emphasizes the idea of accepting the good and the bad without complaint or resistance.
  • bitter pill to swallow A bitter pill to swallow refers to a situation or information that is difficult or unpleasant to accept or come to terms with. It generally implies that the reality or truth is hard to face and may cause discomfort or disappointment.
  • bitter medicine The idiom "bitter medicine" refers to something that is unpleasant or difficult to accept or endure, but is necessary for improvement or progress. It originated from the idea that certain medicines or treatments may taste bitter but are required to cure an ailment. In a figurative sense, it implies that sometimes we need to go through difficult or unpleasant experiences in order to achieve positive outcomes or personal growth.
  • to/until the bitter end The idiom "to/until the bitter end" means to continue or persist in a task, goal, or commitment until its completion, regardless of any difficulties, hardships, or challenges faced along the way. It implies a strong determination to reach the desired outcome, even if it requires enduring unfavorable circumstances or unfavorable outcomes.
  • a bitter pill (for somebody) (to swallow) The idiom "a bitter pill (for somebody) (to swallow)" refers to a difficult or unpleasant situation, fact, or piece of information that is hard to accept or come to terms with. It typically implies that something is disappointing, distasteful, or creates feelings of anger, frustration, or sadness.
  • the weed of crime bears bitter fruit The idiom "the weed of crime bears bitter fruit" means that engaging in illegal or unethical activities will eventually lead to negative consequences or undesirable outcomes. It suggests that the initial benefits or gains obtained through such actions will eventually turn into severe and unpleasant consequences, similar to how the growth of a weed – seemingly small and harmless at first – can overrun and damage a garden.
  • till/until the bitter end The idiom "till/until the bitter end" means to persist or endure until the very end, regardless of difficulties, challenges, or unfavorable outcomes. It implies unwavering determination and commitment, even when faced with adversity or a negative outcome is inevitable.
  • a bitter pill The idiom "a bitter pill" refers to an unpleasant or difficult situation or experience that is hard to accept or swallow. It is often used to describe something that is disappointing, disheartening, or hard to come to terms with.
  • bitter end The idiom "bitter end" is typically used to refer to the very end of something, often a difficult or challenging situation, journey, or task. It implies that one should persist or endure until the very end, no matter how challenging or unfavorable the circumstances may be.
  • the bitter fruits of sth The idiom "the bitter fruits of something" refers to the negative or unpleasant consequences or outcomes that result from a particular action, decision, or situation. It implies that the results or outcome are unfortunate, regrettable, or unsatisfactory in some way.
  • the bitter fruits The idiom "the bitter fruits" refers to the negative consequences or undesirable outcomes that arise from a specific action, decision, or situation. It implies that the outcome is not as favorable or pleasant as initially anticipated and carries a sense of regret or disappointment.
  • be bitter and twisted The idiom "be bitter and twisted" refers to a person's mindset or attitude that is characterized by resentment, cynicism, or discontentment. It describes someone who holds onto past grievances, grudges, or negative emotions, which further shape their bitter and twisted outlook on life.

Similar spelling words for BITTER

Plural form of BITTER is BITTERS

Conjugate verb Bitter

CONDITIONAL

I would bitter
you would bitter
he/she/it would bitter
we would bitter
they would bitter

CONDITIONAL CONTINUOUS

I would be bittering
you would be bittering
he/she/it would be bittering
we would be bittering
they would be bittering

CONDITIONAL PERFECT

I would have bitter
you would have bitter
he/she/it would have bitter
we would have bitter
they would have bitter

CONDITIONAL PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I would have been bittering
you would have been bittering
he/she/it would have been bittering
we would have been bittering
they would have been bittering

FUTURE

I will bitter
you will bitter
he/she/it will bitter
we will bitter
they will bitter

FUTURE CONTINUOUS

I will be bittering
you will be bittering
he/she/it will be bittering
we will be bittering
they will be bittering

FUTURE PERFECT

I will have bittered
you will have bittered
he/she/it will have bittered
we will have bittered
they will have bittered

FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I will have been bittering
you will have been bittering
he/she/it will have been bittering
we will have been bittering
they will have been bittering

IMPERATIVE

you bitter
we let´s bitter

NONFINITE VERB FORMS

to bitter

PAST

I bittered
you bittered
he/she/it bittered
we bittered
they bittered

PAST CONTINUOUS

I was bittering
you were bittering
he/she/it was bittering
we were bittering
they were bittering

PAST PARTICIPLE

bittered

PAST PERFECT

I had bittered
you had bittered
he/she/it had bittered
we had bittered
they had bittered

PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I had been bittering
you had been bittering
he/she/it had been bittering
we had been bittering
they had been bittering

PRESENT

I bitter
you bitter
he/she/it bitters
we bitter
they bitter

PRESENT CONTINUOUS

I am bittering
you are bittering
he/she/it is bittering
we are bittering
they are bittering

PRESENT PARTICIPLE

bittering

PRESENT PERFECT

I have bittered
you have bittered
he/she/it has bittered
we have bittered
they have bittered

PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I have been bittering
you have been bittering
he/she/it has been bittering
we have been bittering
they have been bittering

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