Bereft

Adjective

Definition: Deprived or lacking something, especially a possession or attribute.

Definition: Suffering the loss of a loved one; bereaved.

Synonyms: Deprived, Lacking, Wanting, Devoid

Antonyms: Full, Possessing, Endowed

Examples:
  • After the storm, the village was bereft of electricity and communication.
  • She felt bereft of hope when her father passed away.
Mnemonics:
  • Think of the "e" in bereft as representing "emptiness" or "lack".

Etymology:

Origin:

Middle English from Old English berӣefan, from be- (indicating privation) + rӣefan (meaning to deprive).

Historical Usage:

The word has been used since Middle English to convey a sense of loss or lacking.

Related Idioms:

Idiom:

"Bereft of"

Explanation:

Describes being completely without or lacking something.

Misconceptions:

Misconception:

Assuming it only refers to material possessions being taken away.

Explanation:

While bereft can describe being dispossessed of something, it can also refer to the emotional state of being bereaved or lacking a loved one.

Share: Twitter Facebook LinkedIn