Amaritude

/ˌæmərɪˈtuːd/ noun

Definition

The quality or state of being bitter in taste or feeling; bitterness of emotion or flavor.

Etymology

From Old French and Medieval Latin 'amaritudo' (bitterness), from Latin 'amarus' (bitter). The suffix '-tude' creates an abstract noun indicating a state or quality.

Kelly Says

Amaritude sounds like it should be a common word, but nobody uses it anymore—instead we say 'bitterness'—yet it lingers in older poetry and texts, a ghost word that perfectly captures the bitterness both in medicine bottles and in broken hearts.

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