Vocabulary Spotlight
Bereaved
Part of Speech: Adjective, Noun
Definition: (Adjective) Suffering the loss of a loved one; (Noun) A person who has recently lost a loved one.
“The bereaved family gathered together to support each other during the difficult time.”
Pronunciation
[bih-reevd]
Synonyms, Antonyms & Related Words
Synonyms
Grieving
Sorrowful
Bereft
Heartbroken
Antonyms
Happy
Cheerful
Content
Unaffected
Related Words
Funeral
Condolence
Word Origin
“Bereaved” originates from Old English “bereafian,” meaning “to deprive” or “to take away.” It refers to a state of having lost someone significant.
Word Family
Verb: Bereave – To deprive, especially through death.
Noun: Bereavement – The state of having lost a loved one.
Adjective: Bereft – Deprived of someone or something beloved.
Mnemonics
Think “be-reaved” – to be “left without” someone important, often due to death.
Industry-specific Usage
Psychology
In psychology, “bereaved” individuals may receive counseling to cope with the loss of a loved one.
Healthcare
In healthcare, support services are often provided to the bereaved families of patients who have passed away.
Funeral Services
Funeral homes may provide resources and support to bereaved families to help them through the grieving process.
In Context
“Bereaved” is often used to describe individuals who have lost someone close to them, reflecting their state of grief and sorrow.