bitter pain

USAGE SUMMARY

"bitter pain" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe an intense and unpleasant physical or emotional feeling. Example sentence: The bitter pain of heartbreak was something she never thought she would have to endure.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

In my whole life I've never felt such a bitter pain as losing that final".

The Guardian - Sport

We wonder at these troubled people, at the impulse which leads them to dwell so lovingly on their bitter pain & deep confusion.

The New Yorker

Those sanctions are causing bitter pain, yet a surprising number of Iranians seem to largely blame their own leaders for the woes.

The New York Times

It could be a horribly cynical evening, but it is suffused with bitter pain and lit by the suggestion that we can transcend our baser instincts - but only when we face the real truth about ourselves.

The Guardian

Described by one critic as "a poet of modern disenchantment," Desai ruthlessly illustrated the bitter pain of immigration, the lasting demoralization that colonialism inflicted upon India, and her view that globalization is an affront to the less-developed world.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Ya se fueron las nieves de Enero y Llegaron las flores de Mayo Ya lo vez me aguantado lo macho y Mi amargo dolor me lo cayo The snows of January have gone and The flowers of May have arrived You can see, I've resisted like a man and I keep my bitter pain to myself "There's not a single bar where you don't hear that song after so many years," said Omar, who is from Michoacán.

The New York Times - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Its cruel and oafish backwater growds, and the itinerant grotesques who prey upon them, don't feel all that funny or far away, and the bitter pains of Jim's condition, on which Twain poured out his irony, are dated more in details than in substance.

The New Yorker

The key to developing this affirmative attitude toward life is the cultivation of reason: "True philosophy… teaches that even amidst the saddest disasters and most bitter pains we can always be content, provided that we know how to use our reason" (AT IV 314/CSMK 272).

SEP

In "Bittermelon," he compared the ugliness of the vegetable's "lined face" with time: "Wait until this moody weather is over / That's all that matters… / The loudest song's not necessarily passionate / the bitterest pain stays in the heart.

The New York Times

Herodotus put it best when he wrote of an unnamed Persian soldier who, after foretelling his army's destruction, laments, "This is the bitterest pain to human beings, to know much and control nothing".

The New Yorker

Simon Merrells hints at Robert's emotional sadism towards both wife and friend, and the bitter wormwood pain of a man who once loved poetry and now flogs commercial novels, while Nick Moran captures the bleakness at the hollow heart of Jerry.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "bitter pain" to describe a situation where the pain is not only intense but also carries a sense of resentment or regret. For example, "The bitter pain of betrayal lingered long after the event."

Common error

Avoid using "bitter pain" in situations that are only mildly unpleasant. The phrase implies a strong, negative emotional or physical experience, and overuse can dilute its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bitter pain" functions as a noun phrase, where "bitter" modifies the noun "pain". It typically describes an intense emotional or physical suffering that is intertwined with feelings of resentment, regret, or disappointment. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

15%

Wiki

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "bitter pain" is a grammatically correct phrase that describes a deep suffering mixed with resentment or regret. While not as common as simpler alternatives like "severe pain", it adds a specific emotional dimension to the description of pain. The Ludwig AI analysis confirms its proper usage in diverse contexts, particularly in news and media. To maximize impact, use "bitter pain" when conveying not just the intensity of suffering, but also its association with feelings of unfairness or loss. Understanding these nuances will enhance your writing and allow you to communicate with greater precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

acute suffering

Emphasizes the intensity and sharpness of the suffering.

deep anguish

Highlights the profound and prolonged nature of the distress.

intense sorrow

Focuses on the emotional aspect of the pain, emphasizing its depth.

grievous hurt

Implies a significant wound or injury, whether physical or emotional.

profound misery

Emphasizes the depth and extent of the unhappiness.

crushing grief

Indicates an overwhelming sense of loss and sorrow.

agonizing torment

Highlights the extreme physical or mental suffering.

unrelenting distress

Focuses on the continuous and persistent nature of the suffering.

piercing agony

Suggests a sharp and intense sensation of suffering.

severe affliction

Implies a state of great suffering or distress.

FAQs

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

You can use "bitter pain" to describe intense physical or emotional suffering that is accompanied by resentment or regret. For example, "The loss brought a "deep anguish" that she couldn't shake off".

What are some synonyms for "bitter pain"?

Alternatives to "bitter pain" include "acute suffering", ""deep anguish"", and "intense sorrow", each emphasizing a different aspect of the suffering.

Is "bitter pain" a common phrase?

While grammatically correct, "bitter pain" is not as commonly used as simpler phrases like "severe pain" or "intense pain". It is best reserved for situations where the bitterness is a key component of the suffering.

What's the difference between "bitter pain" and "agonizing pain"?

"Agonizing pain" refers primarily to the intensity of the pain, while "bitter pain" incorporates an element of resentment or regret, suggesting that the source of the pain is particularly unfair or unjust.