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Bereaved Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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bereaved

[bษชหˆriหvd ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

feeling of loss

Suffering the loss of a loved one through death. It is a state of being deprived of something valuable or important.

Synonyms

grieving, mourning, sorrowful.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
bereaved

Used to describe someone who has lost a loved one, particularly in the near past. Often used in formal or official contexts.

  • The bereaved family needs time to heal.
  • Support groups can help the bereaved cope with their loss.
grieving

Refers to the process of feeling deep sorrow, especially after someone's death. It is more focused on the emotional state of the person.

  • She has been grieving for weeks after the loss of her friend.
  • Grieving takes time and everyone processes it differently.
mourning

Often used to describe the period of expressing grief, such as attending funerals or memorial services. It can also refer to the cultural practices related to expressing sorrow.

  • They wore black clothing as a sign of mourning.
  • The town was in mourning after the tragic accident.
sorrowful

Describes a feeling of deep distress or sadness, not necessarily linked to a death. It is more general and can be applied to various sad situations.

  • Her sorrowful expression showed how much the news had affected her.
  • He felt sorrowful after hearing about the natural disaster.

Examples of usage

  • Many bereaved families struggle to cope with their loss.
  • She felt deeply bereaved after the passing of her husband.
Context #2 | Verb

to deprive and make desolate

To leave someone feeling sad and lonely, especially by death or departure.

Synonyms

deprive, desolate, rob.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
bereaved

This word is typically used to describe someone who has lost a close family member or friend to death. It's often used in the context of grieving and mourning.

  • She was bereaved after the sudden death of her husband.
  • The bereaved family gathered to support each other during the funeral.
deprive

This word is used when someone is kept from having or using something they need or want. It often has a context of necessity or rights, such as food, sleep, opportunities, etc.

  • The children were deprived of a stable home environment.
  • Working long hours can deprive a person of sleep.
desolate

Desolate is used to describe a place that is empty and devoid of people, making it feel lonely and abandoned. It can also describe a person feeling isolated and sad.

  • The village was desolate after the mining company moved out.
  • He felt desolate after losing his job and all his savings.
rob

This word is used when someone takes something by force or illegally from another person or place. The context often includes theft and crime.

  • The bank was robbed in broad daylight.
  • She felt robbed of her happiness by the tragic events.

Examples of usage

  • The sudden death of her pet bereaved her of companionship.
  • The war bereaved many families of their homes and loved ones.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Grief can lead to a variety of emotional responses including sadness, anger, and confusion.
  • The bereavement process often includes stages like denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance.
  • Research shows that societal support can help individuals cope with loss more effectively.

Cultural Perspectives

  • Different cultures have unique rituals to honor the bereaved, from wearing black clothing to community gatherings.
  • In some cultures, the bereaved are expected to observe mourning periods where they refrain from joyful activities.
  • Art and literature often explore the theme of loss and mourning, reflecting how deeply it resonates across societies.

Literature

  • Numerous literary works address the themes of loss and bereavement, capturing the intense emotions that follow.
  • Authors like Joan Didion have poignantly explored personal bereavement in her essays, making the experience relatable.
  • Poetry often serves as an outlet for expressing grief, allowing the bereaved to articulate their pain.

Support Systems

  • Support groups can play a crucial role in helping the bereaved process their feelings together with others who understand loss.
  • Professional counseling may offer strategies for coping with bereavement, emphasizing the importance of talking about feelings.
  • Online platforms have emerged, allowing bereaved individuals to connect and share their experiences in a supportive environment.

Origin of 'bereaved'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Old English 'berฤ“afian', meaning to 'rob' or 'deprive'.
  • It's closely related to the word 'rieve', which means to seize or take away.
  • Initially, it referred to being deprived of something or someone important.

The word 'bereaved' comes from the Old English word 'bereafian', which means 'to deprive of, take away, seize, rob'. It has been used in English since the 14th century. The term is commonly associated with the feeling of grief and loss, particularly in the context of death.

See also: bereavement.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #17,493, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.