Crossword Genius

Spitefully injured by litter (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

bitterly

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'spitefully' is the definition.
Both the answer and definition are adverbs. Maybe there's an association between them I don't understand?

'injured by litter' is the wordplay.
'injured' indicates anagramming the letters.
'by'+'litter'='bylitter'
'bylitter' is an anagram of 'BITTERLY'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for bitterly that I've seen before include "Resentfully, rancorously" , "With resentment" , "Acrimoniously" , "In a resentful manner" , "Sharply, pungently" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
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