Rife
Adjective
Definition: Widespread or prevalent, often with negative connotations.
Synonyms: Common, Widespread, Prevalent, Abundant, Rampant
Antonyms: Scarce, Rare, Uncommon
Examples:
- Corruption is rife in that country.
- During the pandemic, misinformation was rife on social media.
Mnemonics:
- "Rife" sounds like "life," and just as life is everywhere, so is something that is "rife" - it's widespread.
Etymology:
Origin:
Old English 'rife', meaning "abundant" or "plentiful".
Historical Usage:The word has been in use since at least the 12th century, and its meaning has remained consistent over time.
Related Idioms:
Idiom:
"Rife with"
Explanation:Indicates that something is filled or abundant with a particular quality or characteristic. Example
Misconceptions:
Misconception:
Confusing "rife" with "ripe".
Explanation:"Rife" and "ripe" have different meanings - "rife" indicates prevalence or abundance, while "ripe" indicates readiness for picking or maturity.