bereft
Adjective
Medium difficulty
What does “bereft” mean?
adjective.deprived of or lacking something.
SAT Usage
This term is commonly found in passages discussing loss, grief, or emotional states, often emphasizing a profound sense of emptiness or longing. It conveys a deeper emotional deprivation than simply being without something, highlighting the impact of that absence on a person's well-being, and it differs from "deprived," which may not carry the same emotional weight.
Common Confusions
Bereft implies a deep emotional emptiness due to loss, while deprived usually suggests a more neutral state of lacking something without the same emotional weight.
Do not choose bereft if the context emphasizes abundance or fullness rather than being deprived of or lacking something.
Example Sentences
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She felt utterly bereft after her mentor left the university.