feeling bereft

USAGE SUMMARY

"feeling bereft" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe a sense of loss or loneliness, often due to the absence of someone or something important. It can also be used to express a feeling of emptiness or lack of fulfillment. For example: - After her best friend moved away, Sarah was left feeling bereft and alone. - The death of her beloved cat left Lily feeling completely bereft. - Despite achieving great professional success, Michael couldn't shake the feeling of being bereft and unfulfilled in his personal life.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

Lineker also came under fire for a link in which he apparently said "from Guernsey to Jernsey": On the other hand, any Lineker fans feeling bereft after the end of the Games shouldn't feel too concerned – he'll be back on screen in three weeks' time for the start of the football season.

The Guardian

It's not just Grissom's colleagues who are feeling bereft.

The New York Times - Arts

I am a scientist and a materialist myself, but I left Desimone's office feeling bereft.

The New Yorker

NEWS junkies in Mexico have woken up feeling bereft and baffled since March 16th.

The Economist

In the South Asian community of Jackson Heights, the Eagle's closing has left some moviegoers feeling bereft.

The New York Times

When these dancers later move robotically in a satirical song called "Zombie," you may find yourself feeling bereft.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

And I feel bereft.

The Guardian - Books

Why do I feel bereft?

The Guardian - Opinion

They look bereft of confidence.

BBC

Alone in London and feeling culturally bereft?

The Guardian - Travel

And I wonder when I'll stop feeling so bereft.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "feeling bereft" to express a profound sense of loss that goes beyond simple sadness; it implies a significant deprivation.

Common error

Avoid using "feeling bereft" for minor inconveniences or disappointments. The phrase carries a weight of profound loss, so reserve it for situations where the sense of deprivation is substantial.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "feeling bereft" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase, modifying a subject to indicate their emotional state. As Ludwig AI states, it describes a sense of loss or loneliness, often due to the absence of someone or something important. The examples on Ludwig illustrate its use in describing reactions to loss, abandonment, and the end of significant experiences.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Lifestyle

14%

Books

9%

Less common in

Academia

6%

Science

6%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "feeling bereft" is a grammatically correct and frequently used adjective phrase that describes a profound sense of loss or emotional deprivation. As Ludwig AI points out, it is often associated with the absence of something valued and goes beyond simple sadness. The phrase is most commonly found in news and media sources, lifestyle articles, and books. While grammatically sound, it’s best used in neutral to formal contexts. Be mindful of overusing it in trivial situations, as it carries a weight of significant loss. Related phrases include "feeling desolate", "feeling forlorn", and "feeling empty", each with subtle differences in the intensity and focus of the emotion. Remember to use the phrase to describe a deep sense of deprivation to ensure it is impactful.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Feeling desolate

Emphasizes a sense of abandonment and bleakness more strongly than "feeling bereft".

Feeling forlorn

Highlights a sense of being lonely and abandoned, focusing on the emotional state of being forsaken.

Feeling grief-stricken

Specifically indicates a profound sorrow due to a significant loss, often related to death.

Feeling heartbroken

Focuses on emotional pain resulting from romantic disappointment or loss of love.

Feeling empty

Describes a lack of emotional fulfillment or a sense of hollowness within.

Feeling sorrowful

Indicates a general state of sadness or regret, less intense than grief.

Feeling saddened

A more general term for feeling unhappy or affected by something negative.

Feeling depressed

Suggests a more prolonged and potentially clinical state of low mood and hopelessness.

Feeling mournful

Expresses sorrow and regret, often associated with remembrance of the deceased.

Feeling melancholic

Indicates a thoughtful sadness, often with a tinge of nostalgia.

FAQs

What does it mean to say someone is "feeling bereft"?

Saying someone is "feeling bereft" means they are experiencing a deep sense of loss or deprivation, often due to the absence or loss of something valued.

How do I use "feeling bereft" in a sentence?

You can use "feeling bereft" to describe a character's emotional state after a significant loss, such as "After her departure, he was "feeling desolate" and "feeling bereft"."

What are some synonyms for "feeling bereft"?

Some synonyms for "feeling bereft" include "feeling desolate", "feeling forlorn", or "feeling empty", each carrying slightly different nuances of loss.

Is it appropriate to use "feeling bereft" in casual conversation?

While grammatically correct, "feeling bereft" is a relatively formal expression. Consider the context; simpler terms like "feeling sad" or "feeling lonely" might be more suitable for informal settings.