bitterly cold

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bitterly cold" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe extremely low temperatures that evoke a strong feeling of discomfort or harshness. Example: "The wind was so strong that it felt bitterly cold as we walked outside."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Bitterly cold outside?

The New York Times - Travel

It was bitterly cold.

The New Yorker

It was a bitterly cold night.

The New York Times

"It was bitterly cold," van Kampen recalled.

The New Yorker

Two, it is bitterly cold and drizzly.

The Guardian - Arts

It is bitterly cold, and hideously awkward.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It was a bitterly cold morning.

The Guardian - Sport

It's mid-spring but bitterly cold.

The Guardian

Once was a foul November evening, bitterly cold and wet.

The Economist

IN the bitterly cold winter of 1607, Capt.

The New York Times

The night sky is clear and the tent bitterly cold.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "bitterly cold" to vividly describe weather conditions or environments where the cold is extreme and causes discomfort.

Common error

Avoid using "bitterly cold" when describing mildly chilly conditions. This phrase is best reserved for situations of severe cold.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bitterly cold" functions primarily as an adjectival phrase, modifying nouns to describe the intensity of cold. It intensifies the adjective "cold", emphasizing its severity. Ludwig confirms the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Encyclopedias

7%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Science

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "bitterly cold" is a grammatically correct and widely used adjectival phrase that effectively conveys a sense of extreme and unpleasant cold. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for various contexts, particularly in news reporting and descriptive writing. While "bitterly cold" is commonly used, it is important to remember to use it in situations with severe coldness and to avoid it in mildly chilly situations. Alternatives include "intensely cold" and "freezing cold".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intensely cold

Changes the adverb to emphasize the degree of coldness.

extremely cold

A common synonym, focusing on the high degree of cold.

freezing cold

More direct and commonly used, implying a temperature at or below freezing.

icy cold

Suggests the presence of ice, enhancing the feeling of coldness.

biting cold

Emphasizes the sharp and penetrating nature of the cold.

severely cold

Highlights the intensity of the cold temperature.

arctic cold

Implies a coldness comparable to that of the Arctic regions.

glacial cold

Suggests a coldness similar to that found near glaciers.

frigid

A more concise, formal term for intensely cold.

bone-chilling cold

A more descriptive phrase, emphasizing the deep penetration of the cold.

FAQs

How can I use "bitterly cold" in a sentence?

You can use "bitterly cold" to describe extremely low temperatures. For example, "The wind was so strong that it felt bitterly cold as we walked outside."

What are some synonyms for "bitterly cold"?

Alternatives to "bitterly cold" include "intensely cold", "extremely cold", or "freezing cold".

Is it correct to say "bitterly cold weather"?

Yes, "bitterly cold weather" is a correct and commonly used phrase to describe weather conditions characterized by extremely low temperatures.

What's the difference between "cold" and "bitterly cold"?

"Cold" is a general term, while "bitterly cold" implies a much more severe and unpleasant degree of coldness. It suggests an intense and penetrating cold that causes discomfort.