Touch of bitterness
/tʌʧ əv ˈbɪtərnəs/
B2
Definition
A "touch of bitterness" describes a small amount of bitterness (a feeling of sadness, anger, or disappointment) added to a situation, experience, or feeling. It means that while something may be mostly good or neutral, there is a slight unpleasant or negative feeling present.
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See It in Action
A small feeling of sadness or disappointment mixed with other emotions
- •There was a touch of bitterness in her voice when she spoke about the past.
- •The success was great, but a touch of bitterness remained because of the lost opportunity.
- •His smile had a touch of bitterness, showing he was not completely happy.
A slight unpleasant taste or flavor in food or drink
- •The coffee had a touch of bitterness that balanced its sweetness.
- •This chocolate has a touch of bitterness that makes it interesting.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "touch of bitterness" like "a little sadness" but with a sharper, more unpleasant taste or feeling mixed in.
- ✓Picture tasting dark chocolate that is mostly sweet but has a small bitter taste at the end.
- ✓It's the feeling you get when you remember a happy event but also feel a little hurt or disappointed.
- ✓Sounds like "touch" (light contact) and "bitter" (sharp, unpleasant taste) → imagine gently touching something sour or sharp.
- ✓Think of a story where a happy ending has a small sad moment, like a goodbye after a good time.
- ✓NOT like "bitterness" alone, which is strong and clear; this is just a small, gentle amount.
- ✓NOT like "joy" or "happiness" which are fully positive feelings; this phrase shows a mix of good and bad feelings.
- ✓NOT like "anger," which is strong and active; bitterness here is more quiet and lasting.
Try Other Words
- •Hint of bitterness: a small amount of bitterness (Use when emphasizing just a small, barely noticeable bitterness)
- •Trace of bitterness: a very small, almost invisible amount of bitterness (Use in poetic or delicate contexts)
- •Slight bitterness: a little bitterness (Use when describing taste or feelings with mild unpleasantness)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: "touch" (light contact) + "of" (shows belonging) + "bitterness" (the state of being bitter)
- •Etymology: "touch" comes from Old French "touchier" meaning to feel; "bitterness" comes from Old English "biter" meaning sharp or unpleasant taste or feeling
- •Historical development: The phrase combines a physical sense ("touch") with a feeling ("bitterness") to describe a small amount of unpleasantness
- •Modern usage: Used in both emotional contexts (feelings, memories) and taste descriptions (food, drink) to express a small but noticeable unpleasant element
Reflect & Connect
•Can a touch of bitterness make a happy memory feel more real or meaningful? Why or why not?
•How do you think a "touch of bitterness" affects the way people remember important events?
Fill in the blanks
1.After the celebration, there was a touch of bitterness because ___ had been left out.
2.She spoke with a touch of bitterness, showing that ___ was not completely forgiven.
3.The recipe calls for a touch of bitterness to ___ the sweetness.
4.Unlike strong bitterness, a touch of bitterness in chocolate ___ the flavor without overpowering it.
5.His story had a touch of bitterness, but also ___ hope and joy.
6.A touch of bitterness often appears when good things are mixed with ___ experiences.
7.When someone says there is a touch of bitterness, it usually means the feeling is ___, not strong or overwhelming.