Bereft Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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bereft
[bษชหrษft ]
Definitions
feeling of loss
Deprived of or lacking something, especially a nonmaterial asset.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| bereft |
Used to describe someone who is deeply sorrowful or deprived of something important or dear, often with an emotional or dramatic tone.
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| deprived |
Often used to describe a lack of basic needs or something necessary for a normal life, commonly used in social or economic contexts.
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| devoid |
Used to describe something that is completely lacking in a particular quality or characteristic, often in a neutral or factual tone.
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| lacking |
Often used in general contexts to describe a deficiency or absence of something, sometimes with a mild negative connotation, but usually less intense than 'bereft' or 'deprived'.
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Examples of usage
- She felt bereft of hope after the tragic accident.
- The bereft mother struggled to come to terms with her loss.
being deprived or lacking
Deprive or dispossess (someone) of something, especially a nonmaterial asset.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| bereft |
Used when someone is left feeling sad and lonely due to loss.
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| deprive |
Used when something is taken away from someone, making them unable to have it.
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| dispossess |
Used mainly in legal or formal contexts to indicate someone has been stripped of property or possessions.
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| strip |
Used when something is removed completely, often in a literal or aggressive way. Can have a negative connotation.
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Examples of usage
- The family was bereft of their home after the fire.
- He was bereft of his title due to the scandal.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Literature
- Many poets and authors use this term to convey deep emotional grief, such as in works by John Keats and T.S. Eliot.
- In Shakespeare's plays, characters often express feelings of being bereft in the face of love or friendship lost.
- The word is often associated with themes of love, absence, and longing in contemporary novels.
Psychology
- Feelings of being bereft can lead to intense emotions such as grief and anxiety, as the mind processes loss.
- Research indicates that experiencing bereavement can trigger a deeper understanding of one's self and relationships.
- Individuals may respond to feelings of being bereft in various ways, including seeking support or engaging in creative outlets.
Pop Culture
- The term appears in popular songs and movies, often as a central theme of loss and longing.
- Notable examples include the song 'Bereft' by Ewan McGregor, which explores feelings of being left without love.
- Television shows frequently depict characters feeling bereft after the loss of a loved one, highlighting the impact on relationships.
Origin of 'bereft'
Main points about word origin
- The word originates from the Old English word 'berรฉafian', meaning 'to deprive'.
- It has roots in several Germanic languages, contributing to its meaning of loss and deprivation.
- Historically, it has maintained a strong connection with emotional and physical loss, using the same form for both.
The word 'bereft' originated from Middle English, from Old English 'berรฆฬft', past participle of 'berฤafian' (meaning 'to deprive of'), from 'be-' (completely) + 'rฤafian' (to reave). It has been used in English literature for centuries to express the feeling of loss or deprivation.
Word Frequency Rank
With rank #18,713, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.
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- 18710 thundering
- 18711 antitoxin
- 18712 convalescence
- 18713 bereft
- 18714 changeable
- 18715 ringed
- 18716 receptionist
- ...