bitter enemy

USAGE SUMMARY

"bitter enemy" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It can be used to refer to someone who is an intense or long-standing enemy, often characterized by hatred, resentment, and hostility. Example: Despite their former alliance, the two countries are now bitter enemies, constantly engaging in diplomatic disputes and armed conflicts.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Garvey's bitter enemy, W.E.B.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He's a bitter enemy".

The New Yorker

N.T.T. is NEC's largest customer -- and eAccess's most bitter enemy.

The New York Times

Bukovsky was also a bitter enemy of communist power.

The Guardian

Today China's bitter enemy Taiwan will also be admitted.

The Guardian

Eritrea's interest is not to help Somalia but to hurt its bitter enemy, Ethiopia.

The Economist

The Islamists also reached out for help from Arab countries and from Eritrea, Ethiopia's bitter enemy.

The New York Times

Red Jacket constantly sought to portray himself as a bitter enemy of the whites.

Britannica

"I was such a bitter enemy prior to coming to the Knicks," Monroe said recently.

The New York Times - Sports

They asked Mr Chalabi, a bitter enemy of Saddam, to find evidence to support the theory.

The Guardian

A playacting, nice Trump doesn't appeal to anybody, base or bitter enemy.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pair "bitter enemy" with specific examples or anecdotes that illustrate the history and nature of the conflict to enhance clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid using "bitter enemy" to describe situations that involve simple disagreements or rivalries. This phrase implies a deep-seated and long-lasting hatred, not just a passing conflict.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bitter enemy" functions as a noun phrase, where "bitter" modifies the noun "enemy", intensifying the degree of animosity. As confirmed by Ludwig, it accurately describes someone regarded with intense hatred or hostility. Examples from Ludwig show its usage in describing political, personal, and even abstract conflicts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Encyclopedias

12%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Science

4%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "bitter enemy" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe someone towards whom another harbors extreme hatred and animosity. Ludwig AI confirms its accuracy and common usage across various contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media and Encyclopedias, it serves to emphasize the severity and depth of opposition. While synonyms like "sworn adversary" or "arch rival" offer alternative phrasing, it's crucial to ensure the context justifies the intensity implied by "bitter enemy". Overusing it in minor conflicts diminishes its impact. In summary, "bitter enemy" is a potent phrase best reserved for situations involving genuine, deep-seated animosity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sworn adversary

Emphasizes a formal or declared state of opposition.

arch rival

Highlights intense competition and long-standing rivalry.

implacable foe

Stresses the relentless and unforgiving nature of the animosity.

staunch antagonist

Suggests firm and unwavering opposition.

deadly opponent

Focuses on the potential for fatal or destructive conflict.

long-standing nemesis

Highlights a persistent and often personal rivalry.

fierce competitor

Emphasizes intense competition in a specific field or activity.

chief detractor

Highlights someone who consistently criticizes or opposes.

principal adversary

Focuses on the primary or most significant opponent.

avowed antagonist

Highlights an openly declared and acknowledged opponent.

FAQs

How can I use "bitter enemy" in a sentence?

Use "bitter enemy" to describe someone towards whom another harbors extreme hatred and animosity. For example, "The two nations have been "bitter enemies" for decades, engaging in frequent border conflicts."

What are some alternatives to "bitter enemy"?

You can use alternatives like "sworn adversary", "arch rival", or "implacable foe" to express similar sentiments of deep animosity.

Is it appropriate to use "bitter enemy" in a formal setting?

Yes, "bitter enemy" can be used in formal settings, particularly when describing historical or political conflicts. However, ensure the context warrants the strong language and that it's not used gratuitously.

What's the difference between "bitter enemy" and "rival"?

"Rival" implies competition, while "bitter enemy" suggests deep-seated hatred and animosity. A rival might be someone you compete against, but a "bitter enemy" is someone you deeply despise and actively oppose.