Part of Speech

Adjective

Pronunciation

/bɪˈrɛft/

Definitions

• 1. Deprived of or lacking something, especially a loved one, through loss or death.
• 2. In a state of loss, sadness, or emptiness.
• 3. Lacking in something essential or necessary.

Usage Examples

• She was left bereft after her closest friend moved away.
• The family felt bereft of hope after hearing the news.
• He walked through the deserted streets, bereft of any comfort.

Etymology

The word "bereft" comes from the verb "bereave," which means to take away or deprive. "Bereft" is the past participle form of "bereave" and has been used since the 14th century to describe the state of having lost something, especially a loved one. The term originally carried a meaning of being deprived of something by force, and over time evolved to its current sense of emotional or physical loss.

Synonyms

• Deprived
• Destitute
• Empty
• Forlorn
• Dispossessed

Antonyms

• Fulfilled
• Content
• Rich
• Abundant

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

• English (Standard): /bɪˈrɛft/
• French: /pʁive/
• Spanish: /pɾiˈβaðo/

Historical Usage

The word "bereft" has been in use since the 14th century, derived from the verb "bereave," which originally meant to rob or take by force. Over time, the meaning shifted towards emotional loss, especially related to death. The term has remained central in both literature and everyday language as a description of deep emotional emptiness or deprivation.

Cultural Nuances

In many cultures, the state of being "bereft" is associated with mourning and rituals surrounding death. This term conveys not just a physical absence, but an emotional void that requires social acknowledgment and healing. In some cultures, it is seen as important to express grief openly, while in others, individuals may grieve in more private, reserved manners.

More Information

Being bereft is often accompanied by feelings of isolation, sadness, and a longing for the lost entity, whether it be a person, object, or state of being. While grief can be overwhelming, it is also a shared experience that allows people to bond and heal together. In modern psychology, understanding bereavement and offering support through counseling and community can help individuals cope with the emotional and psychological challenges that arise when feeling bereft.