adjective

bittersweet

/ˈbɪtərˌswit/ · say it: BIT·ur·sweet

mixing happiness and sadness

In Emotions & Moods

In more detail

1. (adjective) containing both bitter and sweet flavors together

2. (adjective) bringing both sadness and happiness at the same time; having mixed feelings

Examples

1. The dark chocolate has a bittersweet taste that I really enjoy.
2. Graduating from school was bittersweet—I was happy to move forward but sad to leave my friends.

How to use bittersweet

Bittersweet describes something that provokes mixed emotional responses, typically combining pleasure with underlying sadness or regret. It is commonly used to characterize memories, life moments, or situations that cannot be wholly positive or negative. The term evokes a nostalgic or wistful tone and is often used in literary or reflective contexts, though it is now fairly standard in everyday speech.

Common phrases

bittersweet moment
bittersweet memory
bittersweet experience
bittersweet sweet
bittersweet ending
bittersweet joy

Synonyms

bittersweet · poignant · sweet-sour · wistful · mixed

Opposites

sweet · bitter · cheerful

Word family

bittersweetly (adverb) · bittersweetness (noun)

A common mistake

Learners sometimes use bittersweet to mean simply 'sad' or 'sweet' alone rather than understanding the essential element of mixture or duality of emotions.

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