Bereaved vs. Bereft — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 25, 2024
Bereaved refers to the loss of a loved one, emphasizing emotional impact; bereft indicates a broader loss, including emotional or physical deprivation.
Difference Between Bereaved and Bereft
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Bereaved specifically relates to the emotional state following the death of a loved one, capturing the sense of grief and loss that accompanies such an event. On the other hand, bereft can be used more broadly to describe the feeling of being deprived of anything, not just due to death but also due to separation or loss of any kind.
The term bereaved is often used in contexts such as funerals or when discussing the impacts of death on families, focusing on the human aspect of loss. Whereas, bereft might appear in discussions of emotional states where something vital has been taken away, which could be a person, a feeling, or a physical object.
Bereaved typically involves a deep emotional process that might involve stages of grief and mourning. In contrast, bereft, while still potentially involving intense emotions, can also refer to more immediate and stark feelings of emptiness.
When someone says they are bereaved, it immediately suggests a connection to a deceased individual. On the other hand, saying someone is bereft could require additional context to clarify what exactly they have lost or are missing.
While bereaved almost always relates to loss through death, bereft can also capture feelings of lack or insufficiency in aspects such as emotional support, companionship, or even physical needs, making it applicable in a variety of emotional and physical contexts.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Grieving due to the loss of a loved one
Deprived of something and lacking in that aspect
Context of Use
Specifically related to death
Broad usage, including emotional and physical loss
Emotional Connotation
Deeply emotional, related to mourning
Can be emotional, but also practical or physical
Examples of Use
Bereaved families attending a funeral
Bereft of hope, bereft of belongings
Types of Loss
Human loss through death
Any type of loss, including emotional or material loss
Compare with Definitions
Bereaved
Deprived of a loved one by death.
The bereaved spouse found it hard to cope alone.
Bereft
Without or devoid of something.
The room was bereft of any decoration.
Bereaved
Grieving the death of a loved one.
The bereaved family received condolences from friends.
Bereft
Lacking something needed, wished for, or expected.
He felt bereft after the move.
Bereaved
Suffering from the loss of a close person.
Bereaved parents often seek support groups.
Bereft
Feeling a sense of loss or emptiness.
Bereft of any guidance, she had to decide alone.
Bereaved
Affected by mourning.
Bereaved individuals might experience a range of emotions.
Bereft
Deprived or robbed of the possession or use of something.
The fire left them bereft of their possessions.
Bereaved
Deprived of a close relation or friend through their death
Bereaved families
Bereft
Emotionally deserted or forlorn.
She felt bereft when her friend moved away.
Bereaved
Suffering the loss of a loved one
The bereaved family.
Bereft
Deprived of or lacking (something)
Her room was stark and bereft of colour
Bereaved
People who are bereaved
The bereaved were comforted by their friends.
Bereft
(of a person) sad and lonely, especially through someone's death or departure
His death in 1990 left her bereft
Bereaved
Having suffered the death of a loved one
Bereaved relatives
Bereft
A past tense and a past participle of bereave.
Bereaved
Simple past tense and past participle of bereave
Bereft
Deprived of something
They are bereft of their dignity.
Bereaved
Mourning due to the death of a loved one.
Bereft
Lacking something needed or expected
"Today's graduates seem keenly aware that the future is bereft of conventional expectations" (Bruce Weber).
Bereaved
Sorrowful through loss or deprivation;
Bereft of hope
Bereft
Suffering the death of a loved one; bereaved
The bereft parents.
Bereft
Simple past tense and past participle of bereave
Bereft
(of a person) Pained by the loss of someone.
Bereft
Deprived of, lacking, stripped of, robbed of.
Bereft
Unhappy in love; suffering from unrequited love
Bereft
Sorrowful through loss or deprivation;
Bereft of hope
Common Curiosities
What types of support are available for someone who is bereaved?
Support for the bereaved often includes counseling, grief support groups, and community services that focus on helping individuals cope with the death of a loved one.
Can someone feel bereft over an intangible loss, like losing a feeling or a dream?
Yes, someone can feel bereft over intangible losses, such as the loss of security, hope, or future dreams, reflecting a broader emotional or psychological deprivation.
Is it appropriate to use bereft to describe feelings related to minor losses?
While typically used for significant losses, bereft can be employed metaphorically to describe feelings related to less substantial losses, emphasizing the emotional impact.
How do children manifest signs of being bereaved?
Children who are bereaved may show signs of sadness, withdrawal, changes in eating and sleeping habits, or questions about death and dying.
Can bereft be used in a positive context?
Rarely, but it can be used ironically or in a relieved sense, such as being "bereft of burdens" when a stressful situation ends.
What is the etymology of the word "bereft"?
"Bereft" is also derived from the Old English 'bereafian' and shares a common root with "bereaved," highlighting its original meaning of being deprived.
How do therapists typically help someone who feels bereft?
Therapists can help individuals feeling bereft by addressing the underlying emotional loss, developing coping mechanisms, and helping them redefine their sense of normalcy and security.
Does the term bereft imply a permanent state of loss?
Bereft does not necessarily imply permanence but does emphasize the present state of being without something, often with a strong emotional underpinning.
How might someone's social interactions change when they are bereaved?
When bereaved, individuals might withdraw from social interactions, require more support from friends and family, or seek new social groups like support networks for solace.
What is the etymology of the word "bereaved"?
The term "bereaved" comes from the Old English 'bereafian', meaning to deprive of, take away, seize, or rob.
Can animals experience being bereaved or bereft?
Animals can show signs of distress and altered behavior when separated from their companions or offspring, suggesting they can experience states akin to being bereaved or bereft.
Is bereft used more commonly in literature or everyday language?
Bereft is frequently used in literature to convey deep emotional states or significant losses, while in everyday language, it may appear less commonly and often in more specific contexts.
What cultural practices might influence how someone experiences being bereaved?
Cultural practices significantly influence bereavement, with different rituals, mourning periods, and community support varying widely across cultures.
What legal provisions might be available for someone who is bereaved?
Legal provisions for the bereaved may include bereavement leave from work, assistance with estate and funeral arrangements, and sometimes counseling services.
What might be some physical manifestations of feeling bereft?
Physical manifestations of feeling bereft can include lethargy, insomnia, changes in appetite, or somatic symptoms like headaches or stomachaches due to stress or emotional pain.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
