Bereavement: meaning, definitions and examples

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.