sheer bitterness

USAGE SUMMARY

"sheer bitterness" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to describe a very intense emotion, usually in a negative sense. For example: "The sheer bitterness of his words was shocking."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

This is, I believe, due to a combination of having two Paraguayan players, similarly-coloured shirts and sheer bitterness at Darren Bent not making the England squad".

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

His own attacks on America in the early 1960's are attributed to his "limitless faith in the perfectibility of this country," while the critiques by his ex-friends on the left are motivated by vengeance or bitterness or sheer navete.

The New York Times - Books

Small Irish towns circle around the same old obsessions and gripes and perceived slights for months and years and decades unending, and it is these that unite us, and the sheer depth of the bitterness that sustains us: our neurotic systems are powered to near-bionic levels of happy outrage on the engines of our talk, our bitching and our gossip.

The Guardian - Books

I believe Lincoln saw that the bitterness of the fighting and the sheer immensity of the suffering and had to be ennobled by a higher cause than coercing states to remain in the Union.

Huffington Post

The sheer scale of the floods and the government's inability to provide immediate relief has led to widespread resentment and bitterness among those affected.

The New York Times

Sheer fear, sheer terror.

Independent

No bitterness.

The New York Times - Books

Sheer illusion.

The New York Times - Books

Add bitterness.

The New York Times

Not bitterness.

The New York Times - Magazine

Sheer genius.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sheer bitterness" to emphasize the unadulterated and intense nature of the feeling. This phrase is most effective when describing situations involving deep-seated resentment or animosity.

Common error

Avoid using "sheer bitterness" for mild disappointments or minor grievances. Reserve it for situations where the emotion is truly profound and overwhelming.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sheer bitterness" functions as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object of a sentence. As Ludwig AI explains, it describes a very intense emotion, usually in a negative sense.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sheer bitterness" is a grammatically sound noun phrase used to convey a strong, negative emotion. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and applicability in written English. While its frequency is rare, its use is most common in News & Media, denoting a serious and intense feeling. Related phrases such as "pure resentment" and "utter acrimony" offer similar nuanced expressions. When using this phrase, it's best to reserve it for scenarios where the intensity of the emotion is profound and evident.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pure resentment

Focuses more on the feeling of indignation and displeasure.

unadulterated animosity

Highlights the strong dislike or hostility.

utter acrimony

Emphasizes the sharpness and bitterness in feeling or expression.

complete rancor

Stresses the long-lasting and deep-seated bitterness.

unmitigated spite

Highlights the desire to harm or upset someone.

absolute malice

Focuses on the intention to do evil.

total venom

Emphasizes the poisonous or toxic nature of the bitterness.

deep-seated resentment

Emphasizes how deeply rooted the resentment is.

intense animosity

Highlights the powerful and strong feeling of animosity.

profound resentment

Highlights the depth of resentment.

FAQs

How can I use "sheer bitterness" in a sentence?

You can use "sheer bitterness" to describe an intense negative emotion. For example: "The "sheer bitterness" in his voice was palpable after the betrayal."

What are some alternatives to "sheer bitterness"?

Alternatives include "pure resentment", "unadulterated animosity", or "utter acrimony", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "sheer bitterness" a common phrase in everyday conversation?

While grammatically correct, "sheer bitterness" is not as common in everyday conversation as simpler terms like "resentment" or "animosity". It is more frequently found in formal writing or when emphasizing the intensity of the emotion.

What's the difference between "sheer bitterness" and "slight annoyance"?

"Sheer bitterness" describes a profound, intense negative emotion, while "slight annoyance" refers to a mild irritation. The difference lies in the intensity and depth of the feeling.