Bereavement: meaning, definitions and examples

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bereavement

[bɪˈriːvmənt ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

grief

The state of being deprived of something or someone valuable or beloved; especially the loss of a loved one by death.

Synonyms

grief, loss, mourning, sorrow.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
bereavement	Used primarily to refer to the period of mourning and the state of loss after someone has died. Commonly used in formal contexts like therapy, work leave policies, or support groups. She took a month off work to cope with her bereavement Bereavement support groups are available for those who have lost loved ones
grief	Refers to the deep sorrow or distress one feels after a significant loss, not necessarily limited to death. It is more broadly applied to emotional suffering. He was unable to work due to his overwhelming grief Grief counseling can be very helpful for those who have lost a family member
sorrow	Refers to a feeling of deep distress caused by loss, disappointment, or other misfortune. It is not limited to the context of death and can be used more broadly. Her heart was filled with sorrow after hearing the bad news In his eyes, you could see the sorrow of a man who had seen too much tragedy
loss	A more general term that refers to the fact of someone or something being gone or taken away, often due to death, but also used in other contexts. It does not always imply emotional depth. She felt a profound sense of loss when her cat passed away The company experienced a significant loss when their CEO resigned
mourning	Describes the acts and rituals people go through to express and cope with their grief, usually after someone has died. It often has cultural or religious significance. He observed a period of mourning after his father's death Traditional mourning practices vary widely between cultures

Examples of usage

She was in deep bereavement after the passing of her husband.
The family is still struggling to cope with the bereavement of their child.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

legal

The action or fact of being deprived of something by someone's death, typically in relation to a will or inheritance.

Synonyms

bequest, heirloom, inheritance, legacy.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
bereavement	This word is used to refer to the period of mourning and grief after the loss of a loved one. She struggled to cope with her bereavement after her father's death. The family is still in bereavement following the loss of their mother.
inheritance	This word is used to describe the assets, money, and property that are passed down to someone when a relative dies. He received a large inheritance from his late uncle. Families often have complicated feelings about inheritance, especially if the will is unclear.
bequest	This term is commonly used in legal and formal contexts to describe the act of leaving personal property or money to someone in a will. His grandmother's bequest included a substantial sum of money for each grandchild. The museum received a bequest of rare artifacts from the late collector.
heirloom	This word refers to a valuable object that has been passed down through several generations of a family. The antique watch has become a cherished family heirloom. She wore her grandmother's heirloom necklace on her wedding day.
legacy	This word can refer to both tangible and intangible things left behind by someone, often used to highlight impact or contributions made during a person's lifetime. His greatest legacy is the school he founded for underprivileged children. She hoped to leave a legacy of kindness and generosity.

Examples of usage

The lawyer handled the legal aspects of the bereavement process.
There were disputes over the inheritance leading to prolonged bereavement.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Old English 'berēafian', which means 'to deprive' or 'to take away'.
The connection to loss is evident as the term combines the ideas of being left without someone important.

Psychology

Grieving is a natural response to loss, and it can lead to various emotional stages such as denial, anger, and acceptance.
Everyone experiences bereavement differently; some might feel sadness immediately, while others may take longer to process their emotions.

Cultural Perspectives

Different cultures have unique rituals for mourning, such as wearing black clothing or holding memorial services to honor the deceased.
In some cultures, mourners may engage in a period of silence or reflection as a way to cope with their loss.

Literature

Many classic novels and poems explore themes of bereavement, illustrating the emotional depth and complexity of loss.
Authors such as Leo Tolstoy and Jonathan Safran Foer have written compelling characters grappling with the pain of losing loved ones.

Health

Grief can have physical effects, such as changes in sleep and appetite, highlighting the connection between mental and physical health.
Support groups can be beneficial for those experiencing bereavement, encouraging sharing feelings and healing through community.

Translations

Translations of the word "bereavement" in other languages:

🇵🇹 luto

🇮🇳 शोक

🇩🇪 Trauer

🇮🇩 duka cita

🇺🇦 горе

🇵🇱 żałoba

🇯🇵 喪失

🇫🇷 deuil

🇪🇸 luto

🇹🇷 yas

🇰🇷 상실

🇸🇦 فقدان

🇨🇿 smutek

🇸🇰 smútok

🇨🇳 丧失

🇸🇮 žalovanje

🇮🇸 sorg

🇰🇿 қайғы

🇬🇪 სევდა

🇦🇿 matəm

🇲🇽 luto

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #17,692, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

...
17689 uncomplicated
17690 curd
17691 hating
17692 bereavement
17693 gratuity
17694 bargained
17695 genteel
...