Basic Details
Word: Bittersweet
Part of Speech: Adjective
Meaning: A feeling that is both happy and sad at the same time.
Synonyms: Poignant, bittersweet, sighing
Antonyms: Joyful, happy, pleasant
Idioms and Phrases
- Bittersweet memory: A recollection that brings both pleasure and sorrow. Example: "Graduating was a bittersweet memory for me; I was happy to finish school, but sad to leave my friends."
- Bittersweet victory: A win that comes with significant drawbacks or sadness. Example: "Winning the championship was a bittersweet victory for the team as they lost their star player to injury."
Usage Examples
Example 1: The film ended on a bittersweet note, making the audience feel both joyful and sad.
Example 2: Her departure was a bittersweet moment; while she was excited about her new job, her friends would miss her dearly.
Example 3: Looking at the old photographs brought back bittersweet memories of her childhood adventures.
Fun Fact
The term "bittersweet" combines two conflicting flavours; "bitter" refers to a sharp taste, while "sweet" denotes sugariness. This combination is often used metaphorically to describe emotional experiences that are complex and layered.
Famous Quote
"Sometimes a person has to be hurt more than once before they can finally learn." - K. M. Golland
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "bittersweet" mean?
a) Completely sad
b) Both happy and sad
c) Only joyful
d) Very bitter
Answer: b) Both happy and sad
2. Which of these is a synonym of "bittersweet"?
a) Joyful
b) Poignant
c) Pleasant
d) Cheerful
Answer: b) Poignant
3. Which of the following is an antonym of "bittersweet"?
a) Happy
b) Poignant
c) Sorrowful
d) Melancholic
Answer: a) Happy
4. Which sentence uses "bittersweet" correctly?
a) The aroma of the soup was bittersweet.
b) She felt a bittersweet happiness when reminiscing about her childhood.
c) The cake was a bittersweet dessert.
d) The weather today is bittersweet.
Answer: b) She felt a bittersweet happiness when reminiscing about her childhood.
5. Which idiom means a memory that is both happy and sad?
a) Bittersweet memory
b) Sweet and sour
c) Bitter end
d) A sweet thought
Answer: a) Bittersweet memory
