Words / B2

BIT-uh-lee/ˈbɪtəli/

Bitterly shows sharp disappointment or anger, or extreme cold: react bitterly; bitterly cold; bitterly disappointed. Bitter is the adjective (already in the dictionary). Angrily is wider. Unions reacted bitterly to fire-and-rehire. Do not use it for mild annoyance.

Meaning

In a way that shows strong disappointment or anger; also extremely (bitterly cold).

Examples

• “Unions reacted bitterly to the fire-and-rehire proposal.”
• “It was bitterly cold on the picket, which is the weather sense.”

Good to know

bitterly disappointed / opposed; bitterly cold. Adjective: bitter. Wider: angrily. Collocation: bitterly contested. Not a mild grumble. News and weather.

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