Bereft
mediumNegative tonebih-REFT
adjective
Definition
Deprived of or lacking something; suffering the loss of a loved one
Memory hook
BE-REFT: something was REFT (torn) away from you — deprived and left empty.
Examples
“The refugees arrived bereft of possessions.”
“After his wife's death, he felt utterly bereft.”
Test yourself
Fill in the blank with the right word:
“The refugees arrived ______ of possessions.”
Show answer
bereft
Synonyms
Antonyms
Categories
GRE Tip
Bereft is a medium-difficulty GRE word. On the GRE, you might see it paired with synonyms like "deprived" or "devoid" in Sentence Equivalence questions. Look for contrast clues (however, despite, although) that signal the opposite meaning. Words like "replete".
Related GRE Words
deficient
Not having enough of a specified quality or ingredient; inadequate
impecunious
having little or no money; penniless
penurious
Extremely poor; poverty-stricken; also stingy
dearth
A scarcity or lack of something
abate
To reduce in amount, degree, or intensity
abiding
Lasting for a long time; enduring and unchanging
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