There are two parts to the word bittersweet: bitter and sweet.
Therefore, if you are going to use the word bittersweet, please make sure that there is something bitter and something sweet. The definition in Merriam-Webster includes this in the definition, "pleasure alloyed with pain." I like that.
Ok, I just wanted to clear this up since I've seen this word used incorrectly a few times recently. I don't have a lot of language pet peeves, especially considering that I'm an editor, but this is one that I just noticed and felt very upset by. A little ridiculous, but I am a word nerd. :-)
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