bittersweet

• Décrit un sentiment ou une expérience à la fois agréable et douloureux, joyeux et triste.

Describes an experience or emotion that is both pleasant and painful, happy and sad.

1. Mixed emotionsB2formal

   A feeling or experience that is both pleasant and painful, happy and sad.

   douce-amère

   • Graduation was a bittersweet moment for the students.
   • Saying goodbye to her childhood home was bittersweet.
   • The reunion was bittersweet, as they remembered those who had passed away.

   Synonymesmelancholynostalgicpoignantsentimentaltouchingwistful

2. TasteB1formal

   Having a flavor that combines both bitterness and sweetness.

   Saveur à la fois amère et sucrée

   • Dark chocolate has a bittersweet taste.
   • The sauce had a bittersweet flavor from the cocoa and sugar.
   • She enjoyed the bittersweet tang of the marmalade.

• Nom désignant soit une liane toxique de l'Ancien Monde à fleurs violettes et baies rouge corail, soit un arbuste grimpant nord-américain à capsules jaunes contenant des graines écarlates.

A noun referring to either a poisonous Old World vine with violet flowers and coral-red berries, or a North American twining shrub with yellow capsules containing scarlet seeds.

1. Poisonous Old World vineC1formalscientific

   A poisonous perennial vine native to the Old World, with violet flowers and oval coral-red berries; now widespread as a weed in North America.

   morelle douce-amère

   • The bittersweet vine is often found climbing over fences and trees.
   • Its bright red berries are attractive but highly toxic if ingested.
   • Gardeners are advised to remove bittersweet to prevent its spread.

2. North American shrubC1formalamericanscientific

   A twining shrub of North America, known for its yellow capsules that open to reveal scarlet seeds.

   Célastre grimpant

   • The American bittersweet is prized for its colorful autumn display.
   • Its yellow fruits split open to show bright red seeds.
   • This shrub is often used in dried flower arrangements.

   Synonymesamerican bittersweetwaxwork