Bitter
/ˈbɪtər/noun
Having a sharp, pungent taste or smell; not sweet.
Did you know?In medieval alchemy, bitterness was often associated with the transformative process of turning base metals into gold, symbolizing the struggle before achieving enlightenment.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*bhedh-
“to pierce or cut, implying a sharpness or acrid quality.”
Old English
Old English
bitter
“sharp, pungent; the taste that causes pain.”
Middle English
Middle English
bitter
“having a harsh, sharp taste or smell; emotionally painful.”
14th Century
Middle English
bitter
“describing not only taste but also sorrow or affliction.”
Modern English
English
bitter
“retaining its meaning of sharp taste and emotional distress.”
Explore more surprising origins