reft: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very Low (obsolete/archaic)Poetic, Historical, Archaic Literary
Quick answer
What does “reft” mean?
The archaic or literary past tense and past participle of 'reave' (to rob, plunder, or forcefully take away).
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The archaic or literary past tense and past participle of 'reave' (to rob, plunder, or forcefully take away).
In contemporary use, it is extremely rare and primarily encountered in historical or poetic contexts. It can describe the state of being deprived, bereaved, or stripped of something cherished.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Equally archaic and non-standard in both dialects. No modern dialectal preference.
Connotations
Evokes medieval or biblical imagery of plunder and loss. In modern contexts, its use is almost exclusively a stylistic choice to sound antique or poetic.
Frequency
Effectively zero in contemporary usage for both. Appears only in reprints of old texts or in niche historical/poetic writing.
Grammar
How to Use “reft” in a Sentence
[Subject] reft [Object] (from [Source])[Subject] was/were reft of [Possession]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “reft” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The raiders reft the village of its provisions.
- He was a man reft of his inheritance by cruel laws.
American English
- Pirates reft the merchant ship of its cargo.
- Families were reft of their loved ones in the war.
adverb
British English
- [No standard adverbial use]
American English
- [No standard adverbial use]
adjective
British English
- The reft widow mourned in silence.
- A landscape reft and barren after the conflict.
American English
- A heart reft with sorrow.
- The reft treasury could fund no more projects.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Only in historical or literary analysis of old texts.
Everyday
Not used. Would be considered incorrect or confusing.
Technical
Not used.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “reft”
- Using 'reft' as a modern past tense of 'leave' (cf. 'left'). Using it in contemporary non-literary writing. Spelling as 'rift' (a crack).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but it is an archaic past tense/participle of the verb 'reave' (to plunder). It is not used in modern Standard English outside of historical or poetic contexts.
No. 'Left' is the modern past tense of 'leave'. Using 'reft' in this way would be a significant error and likely confuse your reader.
Both imply being deprived, but 'bereft' is the modern adjective meaning 'deprived of' or 'left desolate', especially through death or loss. 'Reft' is the older verb form from which 'bereft' is derived.
For active English learning, no. You should recognize it when reading older literature, but you should not use it in speaking or standard writing. Learn its modern synonyms like 'robbed', 'plundered', or 'bereft' instead.
The archaic or literary past tense and past participle of 'reave' (to rob, plunder, or forcefully take away).
Reft is usually poetic, historical, archaic literary in register.
Reft: in British English it is pronounced /rɛft/, and in American English it is pronounced /rɛft/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[none in common modern use]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a 'raft' that has been **reft** (torn apart/plundered) by a storm, leaving its passengers bereft.
Conceptual Metaphor
LOSS IS THEFT (e.g., grief is a thief that refts one of joy).
Practice
Quiz
What is the most likely modern synonym for 'reft' in the sentence: 'He was reft of all hope'?