Home › Glossary › Letter B

Bitterness

Psychology
Pronunciation

Understanding ARPABET Pronunciation

Want to hear it? Click the Listen button to hear the browser speak the word using text-to-speech!

The pronunciation guide uses the ARPABET phonetic system—the same system used in speech recognition and text-to-speech applications.

Vowel Examples:
AE1 = cat, bat
EH1 = bed, head
IY1 = see, me
OW1 = go, boat
UW1 = boot, do
Stress Numbers:
0 = no stress (unstressed)
1 = primary stress (loud)
2 = secondary stress (medium)
Example:
AH0 TH IY1 N AH0
= a-THEE-na (Athena)

The stressed syllable (marked with 1) is pronounced louder and clearer than others.

Quick Definition

A hardened psychological state of resentment that colors one’s perception and memory, often fermenting into cynicism; in poetry, bitterness is a recurring emotional lens, shaping tone and narrative through its corrosive, lingering presence.

Detailed Definition
Bitterness develops when injury, disappointment, or perceived injustice remains emotionally active over time. In poetry, it may turn sweetness metallic, make old rooms taste of accusation, or cause every kindness to be read as disguise. More than momentary anger, bitterness is a lasting interpretive stance: it preserves the wound by fitting new experiences into its shape, even while promising the speaker protection from renewed trust.
Example
Example in poetry:
In “The Raven,” the repeated word “Nevermore” helps turn sorrow into bitterness as the speaker feels denied comfort; A war poem may express bitterness through sarcastic praise of leaders who sent soldiers into danger; A speaker can reveal bitterness by recalling an injustice with sharp, unforgiving diction; A poem about betrayal may contrast sweet memories with images of poisoned fruit to convey bitterness
Additional Notes
Bitterness is resentment that has become enduring and interpretive, causing past injuries to shape present perception. It differs from brief anger because it persists and can become part of a person’s worldview. Related concepts include grievance, cynicism, disappointment, and forgiveness. Poetic language may become sharp, corrosive, or sour, using repeated images of rust, poison, ashes, or spoiled sweetness.
Also Known As
Resentment Resentfulness Acrimony Envy gall
Skip to main content