a bitterness

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a bitterness" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It typically refers to a feeling or emotion of bitterness, but it can also describe a specific thing or quality that is bitter. Example: After years of struggle and disappointment, there was a bitterness in her heart that she couldn't shake off.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Tylopilus species typically have a very bitter taste, a bitterness that is imparted to the flavour of the porcini with which they are mixed.

Wikipedia

"It's got a bitterness all throughout for the men who are bitter and don't feel feelings of love anymore, and it's got a sweetness for the ladies who don't want to hear that shit".

Huffington Post

A bitterness lingers on.

The Guardian - Opinion

"If there's a bitterness at all, that's it".

The New York Times - Sports

There's a bitterness which isn't helped by the rind.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It was fought with a bitterness that promised ill for President Taft, and foreshadowed today's passions.

The New York Times

I could taste a bitterness in my mouth every Christmas showcase.

The Guardian

A bitterness in the woodwind tone hinted at emotional uncertainties and prevarications.

The Guardian - Music

★★★★ Morrisons M Signature Mature Blue Stilton 200g, £2, morrisons.com There's a bitterness to the flavour.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"Real elegance has a bitterness to it, for sure," he says.

The Guardian - Music

"It is not," Pellegrini concluded, "a bitterness that will go away from one day to the next".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a bitterness", ensure the context clearly indicates whether you are referring to an emotional state or a literal taste. For emotional states, consider pairing it with descriptive adjectives to enhance the impact, like "a lingering bitterness" or "a deep-seated bitterness".

Common error

Avoid using "a bitterness" in contexts where it could be misinterpreted as referring to a physical taste when you intend to convey an emotional state. Clarify with additional context or choose a more specific term like "resentment" or "acrimony" to ensure clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a bitterness" functions primarily as a noun phrase, denoting a specific instance or degree of the abstract quality of being bitter. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's grammatically sound and versatile, appearing across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

81%

Wiki

5%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a bitterness" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase that expresses a feeling of resentment, disappointment, or acrimony. According to Ludwig AI, its versatility makes it suitable for various contexts. Predominantly found in news and media, the phrase carries a neutral register. To enhance its impact, consider pairing it with descriptive adjectives. Be mindful of potential misinterpretations by ensuring the context clearly indicates whether you are referring to an emotional state or a literal taste.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a rancour

Implies deep-seated resentment and ill will, closely mirroring the negative emotion in "a bitterness".

a grudge

Suggests a persistent feeling of resentment, akin to holding onto "a bitterness" over time.

a sorrow

Focuses on sadness or grief rather than the resentment implied by "a bitterness".

a misery

Conveys a state of great unhappiness or suffering, similar to the emotional weight of "a bitterness".

a pain

Emphasizes suffering or hurt, which can be a component of bitterness but not always synonymous.

a hate

Expresses strong dislike or animosity, a more intense and direct emotion than "a bitterness".

a displeasure

Highlights dissatisfaction or disapproval, a milder form of negativity compared to "a bitterness".

a regret

Focuses on disappointment over something that has happened, sharing the element of negativity but lacking the intensity of "a bitterness".

a disappointment

Highlights the feeling of being let down, a less intense emotion than the deep-seated resentment of "a bitterness".

a frustration

Conveys a sense of being blocked or thwarted, sharing the negative valence but differing in cause from "a bitterness".

FAQs

How can I use "a bitterness" in a sentence?

You can use "a bitterness" to describe a lingering feeling of resentment or disappointment, such as "There was "a bitterness" in his voice when he spoke about the past".

What are some alternatives to saying "a bitterness"?

Depending on the specific nuance you want to convey, you could use alternatives like "resentment", "acrimony", or "disappointment".

Is it correct to say "a bitterness" or should I use another phrase?

The phrase "a bitterness" is grammatically correct and commonly used. However, ensure it accurately reflects the specific type of negative emotion or taste you intend to describe.

How does "a bitterness" differ from "resentment"?

"A bitterness" is a more general term for a negative emotion or taste, while "resentment" specifically implies a feeling of indignant displeasure after being treated unfairly.