Made bitter or having become bitter; experiencing or expressing bitterness, resentment, or deep disappointment.
From 'bitter' (Old English 'biter,' sharp-tasting) plus the suffix '-ed' meaning made or having become. The metaphorical use of bitterness for emotional pain dates to Old English poetry.
The metaphor linking bitter taste to bitter emotion is so universal that neuroscience shows bitter tastes and bitter feelings activate similar brain regions—we're wired to associate harsh flavors with harsh experiences.
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