What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
bereavement
Example
She experienced deep bereavement after her father passed away. [bereavement: noun]
Example
The bereavement support group helped her cope with the loss of her husband. [bereavement: adjective]
grief
Example
She was overwhelmed with grief when her best friend passed away. [grief: noun]
Example
He is still grieving the loss of his pet dog. [grieving: present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Grief is more commonly used than bereavement in everyday language. Grief is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while bereavement is more specific and often used in formal or professional settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between bereavement and grief?
While bereavement is typically associated with formal or professional contexts, grief is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal situations to express the emotional response to loss.
