Bittering

Bitterning refers to the process of making something taste bitter, or of causing feelings of resentment, disappointment, or hardship. This can be applied to a physical substance, such as adding bittering agents to a beverage, or it can relate to a less tangible experience, such as causing a relationship to sour through negative actions. The term emphasizes the act of inducing a bitter sensation or state, which could involve taste, emotional impact, or consequences.

Bittering meaning with examples

• The brewery used hops for bittering the IPA, adding a sharp, distinctive flavor that balanced the malt sweetness. The specific hop varieties and the timing of their addition determined the final intensity of the bittering effect and overall taste. The brewer carefully adjusted the amount of hops to achieve the desired bitterness level.
• His constant criticisms were slowly bittering their friendship. His words were not harsh, but they consistently found the flaws, and this was not a recipe for nurturing their once strong relationship. Each subtle jab created a small crack in the foundation of their bond, ultimately causing long-term bitterness.
• The long years of fruitless searching and rejection were slowly bittering the artist. He felt his creative spirit eroding as he sought inspiration. He faced the hard reality of the market place, where his art might not find its way to people, who could appreciate the beauty of his work.
• The political scandals were bittering the public's trust in government. Every new revelation of corruption further eroded the faith that citizens had in their elected officials. It damaged the confidence that they sought for stability, creating a toxic environment for society.