consumed by bitterness

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "consumed by bitterness" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is overwhelmed or deeply affected by feelings of resentment or anger. Example: "After years of betrayal, he found himself consumed by bitterness, unable to let go of the past."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

He rarely speaks to his brother, a dancer whom Harry believes is consumed by bitterness because their father hated him.

The Guardian - Film

In a nationwide message to worshippers on Sunday, the Roman Catholic church called on Christians not to be "consumed by bitterness that leads to violence".

Independent

Danczuk responded to Rossington's claims, telling the Mail On Sunday: "She is consumed by bitterness, is susceptible to drinking too much and is telling lies".

The Guardian

It would be understandable if Shoesmith were consumed by bitterness, but she claims one of the first things she did as part of her recovery was "work out the anger".

The Guardian

It is a remarkable coda to a life that could easily have been consumed by bitterness, for Mr. Bell's future was wrested from his hands by a twist of fate.

The New York Times

He's consumed by bitterness and hatred.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Rove has called Trump "a petty man consumed by resentment and bitterness," which tells you all you need to know about where he's likely to put his outfit's money this election season.

Huffington Post

This doesn't mean you should be best friends with everyone, or spend hours complementing or sucking up to everyone you see -- it just means that people should want to be around you because you're not consumed by hate, jealousy, and bitterness.

WikiHow

Will they ask for novels about young adults who are consumed by a sense of loss and bitterness that their politically correct and foolish parents allowed them during the entirety of their childhood to cross-dress, change their names, and take medication to prevent puberty, thus deforming their bodies?

Huffington Post

Fats consumed by Alexander.

The New Yorker

Weekends were consumed by soccer.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase, ensure the context clearly indicates the source or cause of the bitterness. This provides a richer understanding of the character's or subject's emotional state and the reasons behind it.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on "consumed by bitterness" as it can become repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "engulfed in resentment" or "overwhelmed by resentment" to maintain reader engagement and prevent your writing from sounding monotonous.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "consumed by bitterness" functions as a descriptive expression, typically used to depict a state where an individual is overwhelmingly affected by feelings of resentment and negativity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a valid and impactful way to convey intense emotional states.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Wiki

17%

Formal & Business

16%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "consumed by bitterness" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that vividly describes a state of being overwhelmed by resentment. As Ludwig AI indicates, it effectively conveys intense emotional suffering. While not exceedingly common, it appears primarily in News & Media and other formal contexts. When writing, remember to use it judiciously to avoid redundancy and ensure clear context to maximize its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

engulfed in resentment

This phrase emphasizes the feeling of being completely overcome by resentment, similar to being swallowed by bitterness.

overwhelmed by resentment

This suggests a state of being excessively burdened or affected by feelings of resentment.

filled with animosity

Focuses on the presence of strong dislike or hostility.

seething with resentment

This implies a state of suppressed but intense resentment.

harboring deep resentment

Highlights the act of holding onto and nurturing feelings of resentment over time.

bitter and resentful

A more direct description of someone feeling both bitterness and resentment.

imbued with rancor

Indicates being filled with bitter, long-lasting resentment.

poisoned by bitterness

Suggests that bitterness has a toxic or damaging effect on someone.

steeped in resentment

Indicates that someone is thoroughly immersed in feelings of resentment.

gripped by resentment

Emphasizes the forceful hold that resentment has on someone.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "consumed by bitterness" in a sentence?

To use "consumed by bitterness" effectively, ensure the context clearly establishes the reason for the bitterness and the impact it has on the subject. For example: "After years of injustice, he was consumed by bitterness."

What are some alternatives to saying someone is "consumed by bitterness"?

You can use alternatives like "engulfed in resentment", "filled with animosity", or "poisoned by bitterness" to describe a similar state of being.

Is it grammatically correct to say someone is "consumed by bitterness"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. The phrase follows a standard passive voice construction, indicating that the subject is being acted upon by feelings of bitterness.

What's the difference between "consumed by bitterness" and "harboring resentment"?

"Consumed by bitterness" suggests a more intense and overwhelming state, where the feeling dominates the person's thoughts and actions. "Harboring resentment", on the other hand, implies a more controlled, though still negative, holding onto of resentful feelings.