Bitterness
/ˈbɪt.ə.nəs/noun
The quality of having a sharp, pungent taste or smell; often associated with anger or resentment.
Did you know?In ancient times, bitterness was often linked to the idea of poison, both literally and metaphorically, representing the toxic nature of unresolved emotions.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*bher-
“To shine or be bright; related to sharpness.”
Old English
Old English
bitter
“Having a sharp taste; often used to describe unpleasant emotions.”
Middle English
Middle English
bitter
“A sharp taste or sensation; also associated with deep emotional pain.”
14th Century
Middle English
bitternesse
“The state of being bitter; both in taste and emotional context.”
Modern English
English
bitterness
“The quality of being bitter; now heavily associated with feelings of resentment or sorrow.”