bereaved

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bereaved" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe someone who has lost a loved one, particularly through death. Example: "After the funeral, the bereaved family gathered to share memories of their beloved grandmother."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

But two months after the anniversary of the Rana Plaza factory collapse in Bangladesh, when most of those injured and bereaved by the disaster are still waiting for compensation – though Primark, unlike other retailers who have admitted to a presence in the factory, has contributed to the compensation fund – the secret message hidden inside a piece of women's clothing is a startling image.

The Guardian - Opinion

If, while strolling down the street, a recently bereaved widow approached my father and me, her presence required that abrupt channel switch.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Peterson, the activist who has lost multiple relatives, had an epiphany when she visited bereaved families in Kazakhstan, where the Soviet Union did its own testing.

The Guardian - Film

The MP for Norfolk North tweeted: "I am pursued by vicious, sometimes defamatory and totally cynical trolling by Norfolk/Suffolk Crisis campaigners!" Terence O'Shea, a spokesperson for the group, described Lamb's tweet as "dismissive and insulting", saying that the campaign was made up of former mental health care workers, bereaved families and service users.

The Guardian

The idea that the bereaved should feel sadder than they currently feel seems common among the survivors.

The Guardian

Also, patients who are recently bereaved may find MBCT too overwhelming".

The Guardian

Don't brave Oxford night clubs when newly bereaved.

The Guardian

"The colleagues on the panel today were victims of an inexcusable crime, and they deserve to be treated with the respect one gives to the recently bereaved, whatever one might think about their work," it said in part.

The Guardian

We also spoke about other aspects of loss, like how people behave around you when you're recently bereaved.

The Guardian

Yet that does little to right past wrongs or to comfort bereaved families.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

The Japan Association of War-Bereaved Families, a powerful though ageing support group with close links to Yasukuni, could until quite recently rustle up a million or so votes for Mr Koizumi's party, the Liberal Democrats (LDP).

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about sensitive topics like death and loss, use "bereaved" to accurately describe those who have experienced the death of a loved one, ensuring respectful and appropriate language.

Common error

Don't use "bereaved" lightly or in contexts where loss is not significant or directly related to death. Using the term inappropriately can diminish its impact and cause offense.

Linguistic Context

The word "bereaved" functions primarily as an adjective, describing someone who has experienced the death of a loved one. Ludwig AI confirms its appropriate usage, with many examples showing it modifying nouns like "families" or "relatives".

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "bereaved" is a grammatically correct and frequently used adjective that describes someone who has experienced the loss of a loved one. Ludwig AI’s analysis, with its numerous examples, confirms that "bereaved" is most often used in news and media contexts, maintaining a neutral to formal tone. Related phrases include "grieving" and "mourning", offering nuanced alternatives for expressing sorrow. When writing, it's crucial to use "bereaved" appropriately and avoid insensitive applications. Therefore, use "bereaved" to accurately and respectfully describe those experiencing loss.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

grief-stricken

Directly combines the concepts of grief and being overwhelmed by it.

bereft

Implies a sense of being deprived or lacking something essential due to loss.

grieving

Focuses on the active process of mourning and experiencing sorrow.

mourning

Emphasizes the formal or public expression of sorrow for a death.

sorrowful

Highlights the feeling of deep sadness or regret.

heartbroken

Conveys intense emotional pain and devastation.

inconsolable

Describes a state of grief that is impossible to alleviate or comfort.

distraught

Indicates extreme agitation and distress due to grief.

desolate

Suggests a feeling of emptiness and isolation caused by loss.

lamenting

Emphasizes the act of expressing grief through wailing or sorrowful speech.

FAQs

How can I use "bereaved" in a sentence?

You can use "bereaved" to describe someone who has suffered the loss of a loved one, as in "The "bereaved family" sought comfort from friends and relatives".

What is the difference between "bereaved" and "grieving"?

"Bereaved" specifically refers to the state of having lost a loved one through death, while "grieving" describes the emotional process of mourning that loss.

What are some alternatives to saying "bereaved"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "mourning", "grief-stricken", or "bereft".

Is it appropriate to use "bereaved" in formal writing?

Yes, "bereaved" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when discussing loss and grief in a respectful and sensitive manner. It is commonly used in news reports, academic papers, and official statements.