profound bereavement

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "profound bereavement" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a deep and intense feeling of loss, typically in the context of losing a loved one. Example: "After the sudden passing of her father, she experienced profound bereavement that affected her daily life."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

In addition to her profound bereavement, she was left with the complex legacy of TS Eliot's literary estate which was fast becoming a publishing phenomenon.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

But for Arifa Akbar, writing in the Financial Times, "The most moving essay in the collection, Vinay Patel's 'Death is a Many-Headed Monster', is a beautiful and profound rumination on bereavement and belonging.

The Guardian - Books

The profound shock of sudden bereavement – something that only those who have suffered it can fully appreciate – was merely the beginning of Bayly's nightmare.

Forbes

Deaths of friends were frequently reported (13.7% - 23.4%): although not all were age-group peers, the impact of losses of these bereavements might be very profound.

BMC Medical Education

Hatred is easier to deal with than that more profound sense of loss that comes with bereavement, for example.

The Guardian - Books

Although a grieving person may experience a number of depressive symptoms such as frequent crying and profound sadness, grief is a natural and healthy response to bereavement and other major losses.

Los Angeles Times

And bereavement - why the bereavement?

The Guardian - Books

Bereavement benefits.

The Guardian

We share his bereavement.

The New York Times

Parent and child bereavement.

Columbia University

Terminal care and bereavement.

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "profound bereavement" to emphasize the depth and intensity of grief, particularly in formal or literary contexts. It conveys a more significant emotional impact than simpler alternatives like 'sadness' or 'loss'.

Common error

Avoid using "profound bereavement" in casual conversation or informal writing. It can sound overly dramatic or pretentious in such settings. Opt for simpler and more relatable language.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "profound bereavement" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "profound" modifies the noun "bereavement", intensifying the feeling of loss. As Ludwig AI suggests, it's used to describe a very deep and intense sense of loss.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "profound bereavement" is a grammatically sound and semantically rich phrase used to describe a deep and intense feeling of loss, typically associated with death. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While "profound bereavement" is not extremely common, it carries more weight than alternatives like "deep sorrow" or "intense grief", making it suitable for formal and literary contexts. It's crucial to avoid overuse in informal settings where simpler language might be more appropriate. The phrase appears most frequently in News & Media and Science, indicating a formal and serious tone. When expressing condolences or discussing loss, "profound bereavement" can convey a significant emotional impact if used thoughtfully.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deep grief

Focuses on the emotion of grief rather than the state of bereavement.

intense sorrow

Emphasizes the feeling of sadness associated with loss.

acute grief

Highlights the sharpness and intensity of the grieving process.

overwhelming grief

Stresses the magnitude and all-encompassing nature of the sorrow.

deep mourning

Refers to the period of grieving after a loss, emphasizing the depth of sadness.

profound sadness

Highlights the intensity of the sadness experienced.

severe loss

Focuses on the magnitude of what has been lost.

deep sense of loss

Emphasizes the feeling of emptiness and absence.

crippling grief

Implies that the grief is so severe it is disabling.

heartrending sorrow

Conveys a sorrow that is deeply moving and painful.

FAQs

How can I use "profound bereavement" in a sentence?

You can use "profound bereavement" to describe a deep and intense feeling of loss after someone's death. For instance, "The family experienced "profound bereavement" after the unexpected loss of their mother".

What is the difference between "profound bereavement" and "deep sorrow"?

"Profound bereavement" specifically refers to the deep grief experienced after a death, while "deep sorrow" can refer to intense sadness caused by any significant loss or misfortune.

What can I say instead of "profound bereavement"?

Alternatives to "profound bereavement" include "deep grief", "intense sorrow", or "acute grief", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "profound bereavement" in a professional setting?

Yes, "profound bereavement" can be appropriate in professional settings, especially when offering condolences or discussing the impact of a loss on an individual or organization. However, use it with sensitivity and respect, avoiding excessive emotional language.