bereft of empathy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bereft of empathy" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that lacks empathy or compassion, often in a critical context. Example: "The character in the novel was portrayed as cold and bereft of empathy, making it difficult for others to connect with him."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Once again scientists had "proved" that from birth men have brains which are hardwired to give us better spatial skills, to leave us bereft of empathy for others, and to make us run, like mascara, at the first hint of emotion.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

The admitting nurse, who was pleasant enough in a down-to-earth way, was hardly swept away by gusts of empathy with my bereft state.

The New York Times - Magazine

Not out of empathy.

The New York Times - Books

A generation of empathy.

Independent

A miracle of empathy.

The Guardian

Lack of empathy.

The Guardian - Opinion

Not out of empathy, again".

The New York Times - Books

Koch's lack of empathy.

The New York Times

Such are the paradoxes of empathy.

The New Yorker

This labor of empathy can be consuming.

The New Yorker

They wanted a moment of empathy".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "bereft of empathy", ensure that the context clearly supports this strong claim. Consider whether a milder phrase like "lacking empathy" might be more appropriate if the absence isn't absolute.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "bereft of empathy" can sound overly formal or dramatic in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "not understanding" or "insensitive" when writing informally.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bereft of empathy" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. It describes the state of someone or something lacking empathy. Ludwig confirms its proper usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "bereft of empathy" is a grammatically sound and relatively uncommon way to describe a complete lack of empathy. While Ludwig confirms its correctness, consider its formality and impact when choosing it over simpler alternatives like "lacking empathy". Its use is predominantly found in news media, often to critically portray individuals or situations where empathy is expected but absent. The selection of related phrases provides a range of options with varying degrees of intensity and formality. Ensure the context warrants the strong claim of being completely "bereft of empathy".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lacking empathy

Replaces "bereft of" with a more common synonym, "lacking", resulting in a slightly less formal tone.

incapable of empathy

Highlights the inability to experience or understand the feelings of others.

devoid of empathy

Substitutes "bereft of" with "devoid of", emphasizing a complete absence of empathy.

deficient in empathy

Replaces "bereft of" with "deficient in", resulting in a more clinical or formal tone.

without empathy

Simplifies the phrase by using "without" instead of "bereft of", making it more direct.

lacking compassion

Focuses on the absence of compassion, which is closely related to empathy.

unfeeling

Uses a single adjective to convey the absence of feeling or empathy.

callous

Implies a hardened insensitivity and lack of concern for others' feelings.

insensitive

Suggests a lack of awareness or consideration for the feelings of others.

heartless

Emphasizes the emotional coldness and lack of compassion.

FAQs

How can I use "bereft of empathy" in a sentence?

You can use "bereft of empathy" to describe someone or something lacking compassion or understanding. For example, "The villain was portrayed as completely "bereft of empathy", making his actions all the more terrifying."

What are some alternatives to "bereft of empathy"?

Alternatives include "lacking empathy", "devoid of empathy", "without empathy", and "lacking compassion". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "lacking empathy" or "bereft of empathy"?

"Lacking empathy" is more common and generally suitable for most contexts. "Bereft of empathy" is a stronger, more formal phrase that emphasizes a complete absence of empathy.

What does it mean to be "bereft of empathy"?

To be "bereft of empathy" means to completely lack the ability to understand or share the feelings of another person. It suggests a significant deficiency in emotional intelligence.