What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
bereft
Example
She felt bereft after her best friend moved away. [bereft: adjective]
Example
The old man was bereft of hope after losing his job. [bereft: preposition]
robbed
Example
The house was robbed while they were on vacation. [robbed: verb]
Example
He was robbed of his wallet on the crowded subway. [robbed: past participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Robbed is more commonly used than bereft in everyday language. Robbed is a term that is widely understood and used when referring to theft or unlawful acts. In contrast, bereft is less common and tends to be used in more literary or formal contexts to convey a deeper sense of loss or deprivation.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between bereft and robbed?
While bereft is often associated with a more formal or literary tone, robbed can be used in both formal and informal contexts. Robbed is a straightforward term that can be used in everyday conversations, while bereft may be more suitable for written works or situations that require a more elevated language.