bitter look

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bitter look" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe a facial expression that conveys displeasure or anger. For example, "The teacher gave the student a bitter look and shook her head."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

I think of it as my poem: And all men kill the thing they love, By all let this be heard, Some do it with a bitter look, Some with a flattering word, The coward does it with a kiss, The brave man with a sword!

The Guardian - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

He settles for a half of bitter, looking sheepish and a touch guilty, like an accountant who's just missed a tax deadline.

The Guardian - Film

Yes, Remo had a wife: beaten-down, prematurely toothless, with the bitter, suspicious look in her eyes peculiar to the wives of philanderers, a silent black-haired woman who could have been his sister, and was probably a cousin from the tiny village in the back hills of Cuneo, where he was born.

The New Yorker

Since I began writing for Cif I've already had my name linked to a pornographic website, and I've also been subjected to online abuse from men who have taken issue with my articles: "Classic narrow slitty, bitter, sly looking eyes, short hair, mannish looking always, always hate men.

The Guardian - Opinion

An old man drinking bitter tea looked down at a bowl of sugar.

The New York Times

Disliking the administrative side of her work, Alison hires an assistant, Colette — thin, bitter, and looking for a change.

The New Yorker

A bitter veteran looking to gain a shot at long-lost glory takes on one last big job, maybe even against his better judgment.

The New York Times

And this museum, in a region where ordinary life was a matter of bitter conflict, looks at the movement not as an uplifting triumph — which it surely was, however imperfect and however incomplete — but as a heroic battle fought through a dark maze of grim restrictions and dangerous confrontations.

The New York Times - Arts

There were only the two of them on the mountain, flying in the euphoric, bitter air, looking down on the hawk's back and the crawling lights of vehicles on the plain below, suspended above ordinary affairs and distant from tame ranch dogs barking in the dark hours.

The New Yorker

At first glance, the idea of "bitter money" looks like a legacy of a traditional society a relic that has nothing to do with the way consumers and investors handle money in a modern economy.

Forbes

Love is important, it is kind, it is sweet and can be bitter, but looking through Wade's eyes love is obtainable you just have to be willing to open your heart.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "bitter look" to succinctly convey a blend of anger, disappointment, and resentment in a character's expression. It is particularly effective in narrative writing to quickly establish a negative emotional state.

Common error

Avoid relying solely on describing a character's facial expression; diversify your descriptions with body language, tone of voice, and internal thoughts to create a more nuanced portrayal of emotion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bitter look" functions primarily as a descriptive element, typically modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate the presence of a negative emotion, such as resentment or disappointment. As Ludwig AI pointed out, this phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "bitter look" effectively conveys negative emotions through a simple, descriptive expression. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and suitable for use in written English. The analysis reveals that it's most frequently found in news and media sources. While versatile, it is essential to avoid overuse and to diversify emotional descriptions for more nuanced writing. Consider synonyms like "harsh look" or "resentful look" to add variety. Remember to maintain consistency in tone and formality when using the phrase in different contexts. Its primary function is to evoke a sense of resentment, disappointment, or anger, making it useful across various writing styles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bitter gaze

Synonymous, but uses "gaze" instead of "look", implying a longer, more intense observation.

harsh look

Emphasizes severity and lack of empathy.

resentful look

Highlights suppressed anger or dissatisfaction.

sour look

Suggests displeasure or distaste.

grim look

Indicates a sense of foreboding or seriousness.

scathing look

Conveys strong disapproval and criticism.

fierce look

Emphasizes intensity and potential aggression.

severe look

Highlights strictness or disapproval.

distressing look

Implies that the look causes emotional discomfort or anxiety.

tragic look

Conveys deep sadness or sorrow.

FAQs

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

You can use "bitter look" to describe someone's facial expression when they are feeling resentful or disappointed. For example, "She gave him a /s/bitter+look after he broke his promise."

What are some synonyms for "bitter look"?

Alternatives to "bitter look" include "harsh look", "resentful look", or "sour look", which all convey negative emotions through facial expressions.

Is it appropriate to use "bitter look" in formal writing?

Yes, "bitter look" is appropriate for formal writing when describing a character's emotion or a situation's atmosphere, especially in narrative contexts. However, consider the tone and audience to ensure it fits the overall style.

What does a "bitter gaze" mean, and how does it differ from a "bitter look"?

A "bitter gaze" is similar to a "bitter look" but implies a more prolonged and intense observation filled with resentment or disappointment. "Gaze" suggests a sustained focus, while "look" can be more fleeting.