Bereft Meaning and Definition
Bereft
Pronunciation
/ˈbɪrf/
Part of Speech
Adjective
Definition
A bereft person or thing is one that is lacking or deprived of something, often in a state of loss or desolation.
Examples
1. “The bereft family was left to pick up the pieces after the devastating storm.”
2. “The once-thriving town was now bereft of its vibrant culture and lively atmosphere.”
Synonyms
1. Deprived
2. Lacking
3. Destitute
Antonyms
1. Abundant
2. Prosperous
3. Thriving
Additional Information
The word “bereft” is often used to describe a state of emotional or physical loss, such as the loss of a loved one, a home, or a way of life. It can also be used to describe a lack of something essential, such as food, water, or shelter. In a broader sense, “bereft” can be used to describe a state of desolation or ruin, such as a town that has been abandoned or a landscape that has been ravaged by natural disaster.
Bereft is a word that evokes a sense of sadness and loss, and it is often used in literature and poetry to describe the human experience of suffering and hardship. It is a powerful word that can convey the intensity of human emotions and the impact of tragedy on individuals and communities.
The concept of bereftness is explored in various cultural and philosophical traditions, including in the works of writers such as William Shakespeare and T.S. Eliot, who wrote about the human experience of loss and longing. In psychology, the concept of bereftness is related to the study of grief and mourning, and the impact of loss on mental health.
Today, the word “bereft” remains a powerful tool for describing the human experience of loss and suffering. It is a word that continues to resonate with people around the world, and it serves as a reminder of the importance of empathy and compassion in the face of adversity.
Etymology
The word “bereft” comes from the Old English word “bērft,” which means “deprived” or “lacking.” It is derived from the Proto-Germanic word “*beriz,” which is also the source of the Modern English word “barren.” The word has been used in English since the 14th century to describe a state of deprivation or loss.
Usage Notes
The word “bereft” is often used in formal writing and literature to describe a state of loss or deprivation. It is a word that is best used in contexts where a sense of sadness or desolation is intended. In everyday speech, it is often replaced by more colloquial expressions, such as “left high and dry” or “left out in the cold.”
Cultural References
The word “bereft” has been referenced in various cultural works, including literature, poetry, and film. In Shakespeare’s play “Hamlet,” Prince Hamlet laments the loss of his father, saying “I have of late—but wherefore I know not—lost all my mirth, forsook all sport, and melted into case, I mean, so far being the best are bereft of fear, the best to play, having no thought except for pure devotion to myself!” The word has also been used in the poetry of T.S. Eliot, who wrote “After the Fire I Had a Little Screed” (1929), which includes the line “And I forsook all sport, for my good God, I was bereft of all fear.”
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
Some common idiomatic expressions or phrases that include the word “bereft” include:
- Bereft of one’s senses
- Bereft of hope
- Bereft of all comfort
Collocations
Some common collocations with the word “bereft” include:
- Bereft of hope
- Bereft of all comfort
- Bereft of one’s senses
- Bereft of joy
Frequency of Use
The word “bereft” is not a commonly used word in everyday speech, but it is still used in formal writing and literature to describe a state of loss or deprivation. It is estimated that the word is used in around 1 in 100,000 words in English language texts.
Common Misspellings
Some common misspellings of the word “bereft” include:
- Berft
- Bereift
- Birft