bittersweet
Say it: BIT-uh-sweet /ˈbɪtɚswit/ · adjective
What “bittersweet” means
Happy and sad at the same time.
More precisely: Mixing happiness with sadness.
Example: “Graduation was bittersweet: excited for the future, sad to leave friends.”
When to use it
For happy moments touched by sadness, especially endings or farewells. A warm, common word for mixed emotion.
Memory trick
Sweet happiness and bitter sadness can be part of the same moment.
Similar words
poignant, mixed, wistful
Quick check
Your best friend leaves for their dream adventure, and you smile through tears while waving goodbye. The farewell is…
bittersweet or heartbreaking?
Show the answer
bittersweet
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