feel bereaved

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "feel bereaved" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a sense of loss or mourning, typically after the death of a loved one. Example: "After the passing of her grandmother, she couldn't help but feel bereaved and lost."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

After a bruising Ofsted report, they then feel bereaved, convinced until then that they had been doing a good job.

The Guardian

One resident called Steve told BBC Radio York: "At the moment I'm gutted and feel bereaved because I feel my cat's dead.

BBC

When she goes, you feel bereaved.

The Guardian

He is disgusted by Blair, quickly disappointed in Brown and, by May 2008, gloomily convinced there will not be another Labour government in his lifetime: "I feel bereaved that the Labour party has gone that wrong.

The Guardian - Books

I feel bereaved by Brexit, and if it leads to the end of freedom of movement and exclusion of the UK from Erasmus, this would be devastating – a tragedy of staggering proportions for universities throughout the country, for the structured internationalisation of our academic institutions, which is what Erasmus is all about".

The Guardian

I don't feel bereaved over the loss of these patients".

BMC Family Practice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

The families feel guilty, bereaved, angry at the kid, angry at themselves. . . .

The New Yorker

Far too much time, you may instinctively feel, for bereaved families to be deprived of any sort of real closure".

Independent

And I also felt so bereaved, so terribly sad to lose his presence here with me.

The New York Times - Magazine

Mr Leckey said: "I feel for the bereaved families, not exclusively Kingsmill but for other inquests I am involved in.

BBC

M1: 'Listen [a male nurse talking to a group of students]…this is not an easy ward to work in…it takes courage and strength to be able to handle the physical and emotional burden of caring…you cannot feel sorry and bereaved for every patient you care for…you have to be in a 'safe' distance…otherwise it is you that will eventually become the patient.

BMC Health Services Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about sensitive topics like loss, choose "feel bereaved" to convey a sense of empathy and understanding towards the bereaved individuals.

Common error

Avoid using "feel bereaved" in contexts where "sad", "disappointed", or "unhappy" would be more appropriate. "Bereaved" specifically relates to the loss of a loved one; using it for minor disappointments can trivialize genuine grief.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "feel bereaved" functions as a verb phrase, where "feel" is a linking verb connecting the subject to the adjective "bereaved". It describes a state of being or an emotional condition experienced by someone. As indicated by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and expresses a specific type of emotional state.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Science

43%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "feel bereaved" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that describes the emotional state of experiencing deep loss, primarily associated with the death of a loved one. Ludwig AI indicates its appropriateness in written English for conveying a sense of mourning. While not exceedingly common, the phrase is employed in both news and media, as well as scientific contexts. Alternative expressions include "experience bereavement" or "grieve the loss", though "feel bereaved" specifically captures the emotional experience of loss. When using the phrase, it's important to ensure the context aligns with genuine grief to avoid misrepresenting or trivializing the emotion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

feel a sense of loss

A more general expression of sadness and emptiness due to a loss.

experience bereavement

Focuses more on the state of having experienced a loss, rather than the feeling.

feel deep sorrow

Emphasizes the profound sadness experienced.

feel grief-stricken

Emphasizes the intensity and overwhelming nature of the grief.

grieve the loss

Emphasizes the active process of mourning a loss.

feel heartbroken

Implies a deep emotional pain, often associated with the loss of a close relationship.

mourn the passing

A more formal and respectful way to express grief over someone's death.

feel desolate

Suggests a feeling of emptiness and abandonment.

suffer the loss

Highlights the pain and hardship caused by the loss.

be in mourning

Focuses on the period of grieving and the associated customs.

FAQs

How can I use "feel bereaved" in a sentence?

You can use "feel bereaved" to describe the sense of loss after someone's death or a significant loss, as in "After her grandmother passed away, she couldn't help but "feel bereaved"".

What's the difference between "feel bereaved" and "feel sad"?

"Feel bereaved" implies a deep sense of loss, usually due to death, while "feel sad" is a more general term for unhappiness. Feeling bereaved is a specific kind of sadness related to bereavement.

What can I say instead of "feel bereaved"?

You can use alternatives like "grieve the loss", "experience bereavement", or "feel a sense of loss" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "feel bereaved" for losses other than death?

While "feel bereaved" is typically associated with death, it can be used metaphorically for significant losses that evoke similar feelings of grief, such as the loss of a home or a significant relationship. However, be mindful of the context to avoid trivializing the term.