bitter

Having a strong, unpleasant taste like black coffee or some medicines.

• This coffee tastes bitter.
• The medicine left a bitter taste in my mouth.
• Do you prefer sweet or bitter chocolate?

Opposites: sweet

Common phrases: bitter taste, bitter chocolate, bitter coffee

Still angry and unhappy because you believe someone treated you unfairly.

• He still feels bitter about the decision.
• She became bitter after years of unfair treatment.
• Are you bitter towards your former boss?

How to use it: bitter about something (He is still bitter about losing his job.); bitter towards someone (She felt bitter towards the people who had betrayed her.)

Similar words: resentful, embittered

Common phrases: bitter about something, bitter towards someone, bitter person, bitter remarks

Very unpleasant, painful, or hard to bear.

• A bitter wind blew outside.
• Losing the final was a bitter disappointment.
• She learned from bitter experience to check every detail.

Similar words: harsh, painful, severe

Common phrases: bitter cold, bitter disappointment, bitter experience

Showing strong dislike or anger towards another person or group.

• They became bitter enemies.
• A bitter dispute divided the family.
• The two clubs have a long and bitter rivalry.

Similar words: hostile, fierce

Opposites: friendly

Common phrases: bitter enemies, bitter dispute, bitter rivalry

A kind of beer with a strong taste, usually served in British pubs.

• He ordered a pint of bitter.
• This pub serves a good bitter.
• Would you like bitter or lager?

Similar words: ale

Common phrases: pint of bitter, draught bitter