How Do You Spell BEREFT?

Pronunciation: [bɪɹˈɛft] (IPA)

The word "bereft" is spelled with an "eft" at the end, even though it sounds like "beref." This is because the "eft" ending comes from an old English word "æftan" meaning "after." The "f" is a Middle English spelling of the letter "v." In IPA phonetic transcription, "bereft" is pronounced /bɪˈrɛft/, with the stress on the second syllable. It means being deprived of something, particularly in an emotional sense, such as being bereft of hope.

BEREFT Meaning and Definition

  1. Bereft is an adjective that describes the feeling of being deprived or lacking something, typically a person or a cherished possession, that one has lost. It refers to a state of deep grief or sorrow caused by the absence or loss of someone or something significant. It can also be used to express a sense of being abandoned or left behind, experiencing a sense of emptiness or isolation.

    When someone is bereft, they often experience a profound sense of sadness and longing. It conveys a feeling of being without, stripped of the presence or support of someone or something that was once an integral part of their life. The term captures the emotional impact of a profound loss or separation.

    The word bereft is commonly associated with feelings of despair, desolation, or even despondency. It highlights the deep sense of emptiness and longing that can accompany loss. However, bereft can also be used to describe a state of being alone or without companionship in a more general sense.

    Overall, bereft is a powerful term that encompasses the profound sense of loss and deprivation experienced when someone or something of great importance is no longer present, leaving one feeling empty, abandoned, or lacking in something they once cherished.

Common Misspellings for BEREFT

Etymology of BEREFT

The word "bereft" originated from the Old English term "berofian", meaning "deprive, rob, take away". This Old English term is derived from the Proto-Germanic root "*bi-" (meaning "around, by") and "*reubanan" (meaning "to rob, bereave"). The word eventually evolved into "bereven" in Middle English, and later transformed into the modern form "bereft" around the 16th century.

Idioms with the word BEREFT

  • bereft of sm or sth The idiom "bereft of sm or sth" means to be lacking or deprived of something or someone. It suggests a feeling of loss or deprivation, often referring to an emotional or material absence.
  • bereft of (someone or something) The idiom "bereft of (someone or something)" means to be deprived or lacking someone or something that was formerly present. It implies a sense of loss, abandonment, or feeling empty due to the absence or removal of a person, possession, or quality.

Similar spelling word for BEREFT

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