bitter passion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bitter passion" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a strong, intense feeling that is accompanied by negative emotions, often in the context of love or desire. Example: "Their relationship was marked by a bitter passion, filled with both longing and resentment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

At a private conference in Sweden a couple of years ago, I saw some of Anglo-America's leading academics, journalists and columnists denounce Ian Buruma, Timothy Garton Ash and other liberal critics of Hirsi Ali with even more bitter passion than they spent on what Caldwell calls "the penury, servitude, violence, and mediocrity of Muslim societies worldwide".

The Guardian - Books

Emails thousands of words long came in containing the kind of bitter passion that you usually only see when we say something mildly critical about the iPhone.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

More than once, he reminded his fellow French Catholics that their interests and status were best protected by avoiding "the bitter passions of the world".

The New York Times

They have also stirred bitter passions among those who say they have long been warning city officials that some police officers have routinely gone too far in pursuit of arrests.

The New York Times

When succumbing to this temptation, seek out Bruges's most innovative spots like Dominique Persoone's shop, the Chocolate Line (Simon Stevinplein 19; 32-50-34-10-90; thechocolateline.be), packed with creative confections and fanciful flavor combinations like bitter ganache with vodka, passion fruit and lime.

The New York Times - Travel

As well as really good-quality butter, flour and eggs and chocolate, I also always have a selection of bitter fruits such as passion fruit and pomegranate and redcurrants or blackcurrants: that tartness is great to counteract the sweetness in a cake or pie.

Independent

There's an entire section of sparkling cocktails on the menu at Hatfield's on the edge of Hollywood, all made with Prosecco, including the Hendrick's Experience (Hendrick's gin, Thai basil, lemon, Prosecco), Festivus (Calvados, pear, bitters, Prosecco) and a passion fruit pisco sour (pisco, lemon, passion fruit, egg white and Angostura bitters).

Los Angeles Times

Ferrari's years of competition, with their triumphs and their tragedies, have been accompanied by soaring passions — and bitter disappointments — among the vast numbers in this nation of 70 million who call themselves tifosi, fans who follow with what they and other Italians compare to the craziness once associated with bouts of typhoid fever.

The New York Times - Sports

Together, they deliver both bitter and sweet; slow, grand passion such as Soberana destino (Sovereign Destiny) and skipping pieces like Amália Rodrigues's Filha das ervas (Daughter of the Herbs).

The Guardian - Music

The passion fruit soufflé with bitter chocolate pavé and goats' milk ice cream is delicious.

The Economist

The transfer and dispersal of the collection should be fought to the bitter end, with every ounce of passion and ingenuity that the museum and its supporters can muster.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "bitter passion", ensure the context clearly establishes both the intensity of the emotion and its negative or resentful quality. Avoid using it in contexts where a positive or neutral passion is intended.

Common error

Avoid using "bitter passion" to describe enthusiasm or dedication. It implies a negative undercurrent or resentment, not just intensity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bitter passion" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject or object to describe an intense emotional state colored by negativity. Ludwig AI indicates its usage is grammatically correct, denoting a strong feeling mixed with resentment or disappointment.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Wiki

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "bitter passion" is a grammatically correct but relatively rare phrase used to describe a strong emotion mixed with negativity, such as resentment or disappointment. According to Ludwig AI, its primary function is to convey a complex emotional state, and it is most commonly found in news and media contexts. While not incorrect, you might consider using alternative phrases like "intense resentment" or "resentful fervor" for clarity or greater impact, especially in contexts where the negative aspect needs to be emphasized. When using "bitter passion", be mindful of its implications and ensure it aligns with the intended message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

resentful fervor

This alternative keeps a strong emotional tone and includes resentment. "Fervor" implies a zeal and intensity akin to "passion".

acrimonious desire

While similar in structure, acrimonious implies a more stinging or caustic quality than bitter, relating to the passion.

intense resentment

This phrase focuses on the feeling of anger and indignation as a result of unfair treatment, de-emphasizing the passionate aspect.

embittered longing

This alternative focuses on the sadness and disappointment associated with unfulfilled desire.

burning resentment

This alternative emphasizes the persistent and intense nature of the resentment, suggesting it is a constant source of irritation or anger.

deep-seated animosity

This emphasizes a long-lasting and profound hostility, suggesting a more entrenched feeling than "bitter passion".

seething animosity

Seething implies a contained but intense anger, which is about to erupt, giving it a slightly different nuance than the original phrase.

consuming hatred

This phrase highlights the destructive nature of the feeling, suggesting that it dominates the person experiencing it.

venomous rage

This expression emphasizes the intensity and malice associated with the anger. It implies that the rage is harmful or destructive.

fierce indignation

This phrase concentrates on righteous anger at perceived injustice, toning down the more personal and possibly obsessive aspect of "passion".

FAQs

How can "bitter passion" be used in a sentence?

"Bitter passion" is typically used to describe a strong feeling of love, hate, or desire that is also tinged with negative emotions like resentment or disappointment. For example, "Their relationship was fueled by a "bitter passion", full of longing and regret".

What's a good substitute for "bitter passion"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "intense resentment", "deep-seated animosity", or "consuming hatred" to convey a similar meaning. The best choice depends on the specific emotion you want to emphasize.

Is "bitter passion" a common phrase?

While grammatically correct, "bitter passion" isn't a particularly common phrase. According to Ludwig, it's considered rare. Alternative phrases like "intense emotion" or "strong feeling" might be more frequently used.

What's the difference between "bitter passion" and "intense passion"?

"Intense passion" simply describes a strong emotion. "Bitter passion" specifically indicates that the strong emotion is also mixed with negative feelings like resentment, disappointment, or anger.