bereaved: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, often used in journalistic, legal, and sympathetic/condolence contexts. Less common in casual everyday conversation.
Quick answer
What does “bereaved” mean?
Suffering the death of a loved one.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Suffering the death of a loved one; deprived of a close relative or friend through their death.
Describes the state of profound loss and grief following a death, often specifically referring to the immediate family left behind (the bereaved). Can also function as a collective noun for the mourners.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning or usage. Slightly more common in UK formal/official contexts (e.g., 'bereavement leave', 'bereavement counsellor'), but equally understood and used in the US.
Connotations
Both carry the same solemn, respectful connotation. In both varieties, it elevates the discourse from simpler terms like 'lost someone'.
Frequency
Moderate and comparable frequency in formal written contexts in both BrE and AmE.
Grammar
How to Use “bereaved” in a Sentence
[be] bereaved (of + [person])the + bereaved + [plural verb]bereaved + [family member/group noun]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “bereaved” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- She was bereaved of her husband last winter.
- The accident bereaved them of their only son.
American English
- He was bereaved of his parents at a young age.
- The war bereaved the nation of many heroes.
adverb
British English
- N/A - 'Bereavedly' is not a standard adverb.
American English
- N/A - 'Bereavedly' is not a standard adverb.
adjective
British English
- The bereaved mother received many letters of support.
- We offer counselling for bereaved families.
American English
- The bereaved widow addressed the court.
- Bereaved employees are entitled to time off.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in HR/policy contexts: 'The company offers five days of bereavement leave.'
Academic
Used in psychology, sociology, and thanatology literature: 'The study focused on the coping mechanisms of the newly bereaved.'
Everyday
Used in formal condolences or news reports: 'Our thoughts are with the bereaved family.' Less common in casual chat.
Technical
Used in legal and official death notices: 'The inquest heard testimony from the bereaved.'
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “bereaved”
- Using 'bereaved' for any loss (e.g., job, object) – it's specifically for death.
- Using 'bereaved' as a singular countable noun (*'a bereaved') – correct is 'a bereaved person' or 'the bereaved' (plural collective).
- Confusing spelling with 'bereaved' (correct) vs. 'bereaved' (incorrect).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Primarily yes, for the loss of a person through death. In archaic/literary use, it can mean deprived of anything (e.g., 'bereaved of hope'), but this is very rare today.
'Bereaved' is an adjective (or noun for the people). 'Bereavement' is the noun for the state or fact of being bereaved, or the period of grief.
No, not as a singular countable noun. Say 'a bereaved person' or 'someone who is bereaved'. 'The bereaved' is correct as a plural collective noun (e.g., 'The bereaved were seated at the front').
It is grammatically correct but often feels overly formal for casual talk. In everyday speech, people more often say 'lost someone', 'grieving', or 'in mourning'. 'Bereaved' is common in writing, news, and formal support contexts.
Suffering the death of a loved one.
Bereaved is usually formal, often used in journalistic, legal, and sympathetic/condolence contexts. less common in casual everyday conversation. in register.
Bereaved: in British English it is pronounced /bɪˈriːvd/, and in American English it is pronounced /bɪˈriːvd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “bereaved of one's senses (archaic/literary, meaning 'deprived of sanity')”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: Be + reaved (sounds like 'reefed' – a sail torn away). Imagine a crucial part of your life's 'sail' being torn away by death, leaving you bereaved.
Conceptual Metaphor
BEREAVEMENT IS A DEPRIVATION/ROBBERY (from Old English 'berēafian', meaning 'to deprive, rob'). The deceased has been 'taken away'.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'bereaved' used correctly?