Bitter describes a sharp, often unpleasant taste, like unsweetened cocoa powder or the peel of a lemon. Coffee tastes bitter before you add sugar or cream. Many vegetables, like Brussels sprouts or dark leafy greens, have a bitter edge that some people love and others can't stand. Your taste buds detect bitterness as a warning system: many poisonous plants taste bitter, so your tongue evolved to notice it immediately.

The word also describes a harsh, resentful feeling that lingers after disappointment or unfair treatment. Someone might feel bitter about losing a competition they worked hard for, especially if they thought the judging was unfair. A person who stays bitter holds onto anger and resentment instead of moving forward. You might say someone has a bitter tone in their voice when they're still upset about something from the past.

Weather can be bitter too: bitter cold is the kind of freezing temperature that stings your face and makes you rush indoors. A bitter wind cuts right through your jacket.

Notice how the word carries a sense of sharpness and discomfort, whether you're tasting something bitter, feeling bitter emotions, or facing bitter weather. It’s always somehow harsh and hard to ignore.