German word

erbittert

Pronunciation

IPA/ɛɐ̯ˈbɪtɐt/

Meaning

  • adjectivefierce

Example

Die beiden Mannschaften lieferten einen erbitterten Kampf.

The two teams engaged in a fierce battle.

Illustration for erbittert (fierce)

More examples

Die Reform stieß auf erbitterten Widerstand in der Bevölkerung.

The reform met with fierce resistance from the population.

Core concept

Opponents remain locked in a contest, pushing hard and refusing to give way.

Common phrases

  • erbitterten Widerstand

    fierce resistance

  • erbitterter Kampf

    fierce battle

  • in erbittertem Streit

    in a fierce dispute

Similar words

heftig: Happening or moving with great force and intensity.
stark: Powerful or pronounced in force, effect, or degree.
hitzig: Heated with rising emotions during a brief, intense argument or debate.

Definition in German

von starker Feindseligkeit und unversöhnlicher Intensität, vor allem bei Kämpfen oder Auseinandersetzungen

Word origin

The adjective comes from the past participle of German erbittern, formed from bitter with the prefix er- and meaning to embitter or make bitter.

Usage tips

  • Erbittert has a forceful, somewhat formal tone and commonly modifies words such as Kampf, Streit, or Auseinandersetzung.

Other meanings

  • intenseadjective
  • bitteradjective

Opposites

  • friedlichpeacefuladjective
  • versöhntreconciledadjective

Related words

  • Erbitterungbitternessnoun
  • erbitterenembitterverb
  • erbitterndembitteringadjective

Word lists with this word