out of bitterness

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "out of bitterness" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe actions or feelings that arise as a result of bitterness or resentment. Example: "She spoke harshly to him out of bitterness, unable to let go of the past."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

In fact, he makes great showbiz out of bitterness.

The New Yorker

She told me, "A slave movie was on and, out of bitterness, this ridiculous idea popped into my head: during slave times, I never would have been single".

The New Yorker

Most Iraqis say they are glad the Americans are gone, if only out of bitterness for the bloodshed their presence helped cause.

The Washington Post

And in no way am I just trying to make you look stupid out of bitterness at my most unjust early wake-up call.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"Unlike the elitist view that believes Americans cling to guns out of bitterness, today's ruling recognizes that gun ownership is a fundamental right — sacred, just as the right to free speech and assembly," Mr. McCain said.

The New York Times

United States trade authorities say they think that the European Union brought this case primarily out of bitterness against Washington for using the W.T.O. to pry open European markets for bananas and hormone-treated beef.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

I looked out for signs of bitterness about this, some sort of sisterly discord, and unearthed precisely one instance.

The Guardian - Music

The citrus seemed to bring out every bit of bitterness in the Gorgonzola.

Los Angeles Times

The club's collapse has been played out against a background of bitterness and recrimination and inquiries into the running of the club by Humberside police fraud squad, the Department of Trade and the Football Association.

The Guardian - Sport

If you decide to wear the Islamic headscarf in solidarity with me, by all means, please do so knowing that I and millions like myself will take the hand you extend and form a circle to drown out the divisive voices of bitterness, intolerance and hatred that ring in our midst.

Huffington Post

This year on my 36th birthday, I received a phone call from someone purporting to wish me well; but I was instead met with an out-of-nowhere onslaught of anger, bitterness and passive-aggressive insults.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "out of bitterness" to clearly indicate that a negative emotion is the direct cause of an action or statement. This adds depth and context to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "out of bitterness" excessively in formal or professional writing. While grammatically correct, consider stronger, more precise verbs or nouns to convey the underlying emotion. For example, instead of "He resigned out of bitterness", try "He resigned, driven by resentment."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "out of bitterness" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to express the reason or motivation behind an action. It indicates that the action is performed because of a feeling of resentment or disappointment, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "out of bitterness" is a grammatically sound and understandable way to describe actions driven by resentment, as affirmed by Ludwig AI. It functions as an adverbial phrase, adding context and explaining the motivation behind a behavior. While generally neutral in register, it's most commonly found in news and media contexts. While you can use phrases such as "from resentment", and "due to spite", be mindful of choosing vocabulary that suits the specific situation you are describing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

from resentment

Changes the preposition to emphasize the originating feeling.

due to resentment

Uses a causal phrase emphasizing the resentment as the cause.

because of spite

Replaces "bitterness" with "spite", highlighting malicious intent.

motivated by resentment

Highlights that the action is driven by the negative feeling.

fueled by animosity

Uses a stronger word, "animosity", for a more intense feeling.

driven by rancor

Emphasizes a deep-seated and long-lasting bitterness.

springing from resentment

Highlights the origin of the action or feeling.

as a result of bitterness

More formal phrase, clearly indicating cause and effect.

in a fit of pique

Suggests a sudden burst of annoyance leading to an action.

born of resentment

Suggests resentment is the source of bitterness.

FAQs

How can I use "out of bitterness" in a sentence?

You can use "out of bitterness" to explain the motivation behind an action or statement. For example, "She criticized his work "out of bitterness" after he received the promotion she wanted."

What are some alternatives to "out of bitterness"?

Some alternatives to "out of bitterness" include "from resentment", "due to spite", or "motivated by resentment". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "out of bitterness" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "out of bitterness" might sound too informal for some formal contexts. Consider using more precise or sophisticated vocabulary, such as "driven by rancor" or "motivated by animosity", to convey the same meaning with a more formal tone.

What is the difference between "out of bitterness" and "out of spite"?

"Out of bitterness" implies a deep-seated resentment, often stemming from past grievances or disappointments. "Out of spite", on the other hand, suggests a more immediate and malicious intent to cause harm or annoyance. Spite is often a more active and deliberate form of bitterness.