bereavement

Everyday

1. (formal) The loss of a close relative or friend because they have died. tree →
2. The sadness and time after such a loss. tree →

In the lessons

Used gently in school and work: bereavement leave, bereavement support, a family bereavement. It is a kind, formal way to speak about a death. Phrases: suffer a bereavement, family bereavement, bereavement counselling.

Examples

• She was off school because of a family bereavement. tree →
• The school offers bereavement support to pupils. tree →
• After a bereavement, it's normal to feel very sad. tree →
• He took bereavement leave from work. tree →
• Talking to someone helps after a bereavement. tree →
• We sent a card to show we cared about their bereavement. tree →

Note

Formal; related adjective bereaved (the bereaved family). Gentle words for dying: passed away, lost (euphemisms). Countable when it means one death in the family.

In Jewish tradition

Used gently in school and work: bereavement leave, bereavement support, a family bereavement. It is a kind, formal way to speak about a death. Phrases: suffer a bereavement, family bereavement, bereavement counselling.

Examples

• They repay me evil for good; bereavement is come to my soul. (Writings PSA.35.12, JPS 1917) tree →
• The children of thy bereavement shall yet say in thine ears: 'The place is too strait for me; give place to me that I may dwell.' (Prophets ISA.49.20, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Formal; related adjective bereaved (the bereaved family). Gentle words for dying: passed away, lost (euphemisms). Countable when it means one death in the family.