bittersweet

Meanings

1. 1adjectivecomparable

   Causing happiness and sadness together, usually because something good is mixed with loss or regret.

   Grammar: Can come before a noun (a bittersweet goodbye) or after be (the ending was bittersweet).

   Patterns

   • a bittersweet memory of something

   Graduation day felt bittersweet because I knew my friends would move away.

   She gave a bittersweet smile as she packed up her childhood room.

   The film has a bittersweet ending that leaves you smiling and teary.

2. 2adjectivecomparable

   Tasting both sweet and slightly bitter at once.

   Grammar: Describes food, drink or flavor and is often used of dark chocolate.

   The sauce has a bittersweet flavor from burnt sugar and orange peel.

   He prefers bittersweet chocolate to milk chocolate.

Common combinations

bittersweet memory

The old song brought back a bittersweet memory.

bittersweet farewell

The team shared a bittersweet farewell at the airport.

bittersweet victory

Winning the title was a bittersweet victory after the coach's departure.

bittersweet moment

It was a bittersweet moment when the last child left home.

bittersweet chocolate

Melt the bittersweet chocolate slowly over low heat.

Synonyms and how they differ

poignant

Poignant stresses the sharp emotional pang, while bittersweet explicitly includes happiness alongside the sadness.

wistful

Wistful describes a quiet longing for something past, whereas bittersweet describes a mixed experience itself.

mixed

Mixed is a general word for feelings that point two ways, with less of the tender, reflective tone of bittersweet.

nostalgic

Nostalgic centers on fond memories of the past, which may or may not include sadness, unlike bittersweet.

Opposites

Word family

bittersweetly adverb

in a way that mixes joy and sorrow

bittersweetness noun

the quality of mixing happiness and sadness

bitter adjective

having a sharp taste or feeling of resentment

sweet adjective

pleasant, with the taste of sugar

Commonly confused: bittersweet or bitter?

Practice

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