bitter

/ˈbi-tər/

Middle English, going back to Old English biter, going back to Germanic *bitra- (whence Old Saxon & Old High German bittar "acrid-tasting," Old Norse bitr "biting, sharp") and *baitra- (whence Gothic baitrs "sharp-tasting"), derivatives from the base of *bītan- "to bite"

adjective

  1. being, inducing, or marked by the one of the five basic taste sensations that is peculiarly acrid, astringent, and often disagreeable and characteristic of citrus peels, unsweetened cocoa, black coffee, mature leafy greens (such as kale or mustard), or ale

  2. distasteful or distressing to the mind : galling

  3. marked by intensity or severity:

The pill left a bitter taste in my mouth.

a bitter sense of shame

noun

  1. bitter quality

  2. the taste sensation that is peculiarly acrid, astringent, and often disagreeable and is characteristic of citrus peels, unsweetened cocoa, black coffee, mature leafy greens (such as kale or mustard), or ale

  3. a usually alcoholic solution of bitter and often aromatic plant products used especially in preparing mixed drinks or as a mild tonic

… stepping outside your comfort zone and taking the bitter with the sweet.

verb

  1. to make bitter

bittered ale