Bereft

Pronunciation: /bɪˈrɛft/

Definitions of bereft

adjective lacking something needed, wanted, or expected

Example Sentences

A1 She felt bereft when her best friend moved away.

A2 The orphan was bereft of family and had to rely on the kindness of strangers.

B1 The elderly man was bereft of hope after losing his wife of 50 years.

B2 The company was left bereft of leadership after the sudden resignation of the CEO.

C1 The war-torn country was bereft of resources and infrastructure.

C2 The artist's masterpiece left viewers bereft of words, in awe of its beauty.

Examples of bereft in a Sentence

formal The bereft widow struggled to come to terms with her loss.

informal She felt completely bereft after her best friend moved away.

slang I'm so bereft without my phone, I feel lost!

figurative The painting looked bereft without its vibrant colors.

Grammatical Forms of bereft

• past tense: bereft
• plural: bereft
• comparative: more bereft
• superlative: most bereft
• present tense: bereave
• future tense: will be bereft
• perfect tense: have bereft
• continuous tense: is being bereft
• singular: bereft
• positive degree: bereft
• infinitive: to bereave
• gerund: bereaving
• participle: bereft

Origin and Evolution of bereft

First Known Use: 1250 year

Language of Origin: Old English

Story behind the word: The word 'bereft' originated from Middle English, derived from the Old English word 'berofen' which means deprived or robbed.

Evolution of the word: Over time, 'bereft' has retained its original meaning of being deprived or robbed, but has also come to be used in a more emotional context to signify deep loss or grief.