bereft
What does "bereft" mean?
The word "bereft" describes a state of being deprived of or lacking something, often something essential or deeply valued. The mental image is one of an empty space where something meaningful used to exist, leaving a sense of profound loss or desolation. While it is most commonly used to describe the emotional state of someone grieving a loss, it is also frequently used in a more general sense to mean "lacking" or "devoid of," such as being bereft of hope or bereft of humor. Because it carries a heavy, solemn weight, it is usually reserved for formal writing or serious, somber conversations rather than casual everyday chatter.
"bereft" in conversation
Discussing a film
The plot felt completely bereft of any real tension.
The plot felt completely bereft of any real tension.
I agree, the pacing was so slow it ruined the whole experience.
I agree, the pacing was so slow it ruined the whole experience.
Used to describe a lack of a specific quality.
Offering sympathy
He seems truly bereft since his partner passed away.
He seems truly bereft since his partner passed away.
It’s heartbreaking to see him like that; he’s lost his spark.
It’s heartbreaking to see him like that; he’s lost his spark.
Refers to the emotional state of grieving.
"bereft" in a sentence
The house felt cold and bereft of life.
The house felt cold and bereft of life.
He was left bereft of hope after the failure of his project.
He was left bereft of hope after the failure of his project.
The argument was utterly bereft of logic or evidence.
The argument was utterly bereft of logic or evidence.
