Deprive vs Bereave: Which One Is The Correct One?

Have you ever wondered if you should use the word “deprive” or “bereave” in a certain situation? It can be confusing to know which one to use, but fear not! In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the meanings of both words and when to use them.

We should define each word. “Deprive” means to take something away from someone or something, usually by force or without consent. “Bereave” means to suffer the death of a loved one. While both words involve loss, they are used in different contexts.

So which word should you use? It depends on the situation. If you’re talking about taking something away from someone or something, then “deprive” is the proper word to use. On the other hand, if you’re talking about the loss of a loved one, then “bereave” is the proper word to use.

Now that we’ve clarified the meanings of both words, let’s dive deeper into their origins and usage in different contexts.

Define Deprive

Deprive is a verb that means to take something away from someone or something. It is often used in a negative context, implying that the action is unjust or unfair. Deprive can also be used in a legal context, such as when a court orders someone to be deprived of their rights or property.

Define Bereave

Bereave is a verb that means to suffer the loss of a loved one or something of value. It is often used in a more emotional context than deprive, as it implies a deep sense of grief or sorrow. Bereave can also be used in a more general sense, such as when someone is bereaved of their job or their health.

While both words involve the loss of something, the key difference between them is the emotional connotation. Deprive is often used in a more neutral or negative context, while bereave is used in a more emotional or sorrowful context.

How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence

Proper usage of words in a sentence is crucial to convey the intended meaning and avoid confusion. In this section, we will discuss how to use the words “deprive” and “bereave” in a sentence.

How To Use “Deprive” In A Sentence

The word “deprive” means to take away something that is important or necessary from someone or something. Here are some examples of how to use “deprive” in a sentence:

• She felt deprived of her childhood due to her parents’ strict upbringing.
• The government’s decision to cut funding has deprived many schools of necessary resources.
• The hurricane has deprived the coastal town of electricity and clean water.

As seen in the examples above, “deprive” is used when something is taken away from someone or something, often resulting in negative consequences.

How To Use “Bereave” In A Sentence

The word “bereave” means to be deprived of a loved one through a profound absence, especially due to death. Here are some examples of how to use “bereave” in a sentence:

• The family was deeply bereaved by the sudden loss of their father.
• The soldier’s death bereaved his wife and children.
• The community was bereaved by the tragic accident that claimed many lives.

As seen in the examples above, “bereave” is used when someone experiences the loss of a loved one, often resulting in grief and sorrow.

More Examples Of Deprive & Bereave Used In Sentences

Understanding the proper usage of words can be challenging, especially when two words seem to have similar meanings. Such is the case with deprive and bereave. Here are some more examples of how these words can be used in sentences.

Examples Of Using Deprive In A Sentence

• The storm deprived us of electricity for three days.
• She was deprived of her rights as a citizen.
• The thief deprived the store of its valuable merchandise.
• The illness deprived him of his ability to walk.
• The teacher deprived the student of recess as a punishment.
• The economic downturn deprived many families of their homes.
• The new policy deprived employees of their overtime pay.
• The accident deprived him of his sense of smell.
• The drought deprived the crops of much-needed water.
• The war deprived the country of its natural resources.

Examples Of Using Bereave In A Sentence

• She was bereaved of her husband in a car accident.
• The family was bereaved by the sudden loss of their beloved pet.
• He was bereaved of his father at a young age.
• The community was bereaved by the tragic loss of a local hero.
• The soldier was bereaved of his best friend in battle.
• The parents were bereaved when their child died of cancer.
• The company was bereaved by the unexpected death of its CEO.
• The town was bereaved by the devastating tornado that destroyed many homes.
• The family was bereaved when their home was destroyed in a fire.
• The nation was bereaved by the assassination of its president.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

When it comes to using words that have similar meanings, it’s easy to get confused and use them interchangeably. However, this can lead to miscommunication and misunderstandings. Two such words that are often misused are “deprive” and “bereave.”

Highlighting Common Mistakes

One common mistake people make is using “deprive” when they really mean “bereave.” While both words refer to being without something, “deprive” is used when something is taken away, usually as a punishment or consequence. “Bereave,” on the other hand, is used when something is lost due to death.

For example, saying “The hurricane deprived us of power for three days” is correct because the power was taken away. However, saying “The hurricane bereaved us of power for three days” is incorrect because power cannot die.

Another mistake is using “bereave” when they really mean “deprive.” For example, saying “The thief bereaved me of my wallet” is incorrect because the wallet was not lost due to death. The correct word to use in this case would be “deprived.”

Tips On How To Avoid Making These Mistakes

To avoid making these mistakes, it’s important to understand the meanings of both words and use them correctly. Here are some tips to help:

• Think about the context of the situation. If something was taken away as a punishment or consequence, use “deprive.” If something was lost due to death, use “bereave.”
• Check the dictionary if you’re unsure of the meaning of a word.
• Proofread your writing to make sure you’re using the correct word.

By being mindful of the differences between “deprive” and “bereave,” you can avoid making common mistakes and communicate more effectively.

Context Matters

Choosing the right word in any context is important, and the same goes for the choice between ‘deprive’ and ‘bereave.’ Both words have similar meanings, but they are not interchangeable. The context in which they are used can determine which word is more appropriate to use.

Examples Of Different Contexts

Here are some examples of different contexts in which the choice between ‘deprive’ and ‘bereave’ might change:

Context	Explanation	Example Sentence
Death	When someone dies, ‘bereave’ is the more appropriate word to use, as it implies a sense of loss and mourning.	“The family was bereaved by the sudden death of their son.”
Material Possessions	When someone is stripped of their material possessions, ‘deprive’ is the more appropriate word to use, as it implies a sense of being stripped of something that is rightfully theirs.	“The government cannot deprive citizens of their basic human rights.”
Basic Needs	When someone is denied their basic needs, such as food or shelter, ‘deprive’ is the more appropriate word to use, as it implies a sense of being denied something necessary for survival.	“The drought has deprived many families of access to clean drinking water.”

As you can see, the context in which these words are used can greatly affect which word is more appropriate to use. It is important to consider the connotations of each word and choose the one that best fits the context.

Exceptions To The Rules

Deprive

While the general rule is that “deprive” is used when something is taken away from someone who still lives, there are some exceptions to this rule. One such exception is when the person who is being deprived of something is deceased.

For example, “The sudden death of his father deprived him of the chance to say goodbye.”

Another exception is when the thing being taken away is not a physical object, but rather an opportunity or experience.

For example, “The cancellation of the concert deprived her of the chance to see her favorite band live.”

Bereave

The general rule for “bereave” is that it is used when someone has lost a loved one through death. However, there are some exceptions to this rule as well.

One exception is when someone has lost something that was very dear to them, but not a person.

For example, “After the fire, she was bereaved of all her childhood mementos.”

Another exception is when someone is deprived of something that they were emotionally attached to, even if it was not a person.

For example, “The closure of the theater bereaved the community of a cherished cultural institution.”

Exceptions to Using Deprive and Bereave

Deprive	Bereave
When the person being deprived is deceased	When someone has lost something that was very dear to them, but not a person
When the thing being taken away is not a physical object, but rather an opportunity or experience	When someone is deprived of something that they were emotionally attached to, even if it was not a person

Practice Exercises

Learning the difference between deprive and bereave can be challenging, but practice exercises can help improve your understanding and usage of these words. Here are some exercises to get you started:

Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank

Choose the correct word (deprive or bereave) to fill in the blank in each sentence below:

1. His sudden death ___________ his family of a beloved husband and father.
2. The new policy will ___________ employees of their right to take breaks during the workday.
3. She was ___________ of her inheritance by her greedy relatives.
4. The hurricane ___________ the small town of power and water for several days.
5. He was ___________ of his freedom when he was sent to prison for a crime he didn’t commit.

Answer Key:

1. bereaved
2. deprive
3. deprived
4. deprived
5. deprived

Exercise 2: Sentence Writing

Write a sentence using each of the following words correctly:

• Deprive
• Bereave
• Deprived
• Bereft

Explanations:

• Deprive: To take something away from someone or something.
• Bereave: To experience the loss of a loved one.
• Deprived: The past tense of deprive.
• Bereft: Deprived of or lacking something.

Example Sentences:

1. The government cannot deprive citizens of their basic human rights.
2. She was bereaved when her husband passed away.
3. The children were deprived of their favorite toys when they misbehaved.
4. He felt bereft of purpose after he retired.

Practicing these exercises can help you confidently use deprive and bereave in your writing and conversations.

Conclusion

In conclusion, understanding the difference between “deprive” and “bereave” is crucial for effective communication. Here are the key takeaways from this article:

Deprive

• Means to take something away from someone or something
• Can be used in both positive and negative contexts
• Often used with the preposition “of”
• Examples: “The pandemic has deprived us of many opportunities” or “I don’t want to deprive you of your happiness”

Bereave

• Means to suffer the loss of a loved one
• Used exclusively in negative contexts
• Can be used with the preposition “of” or “from”
• Examples: “She was bereaved of her husband” or “The family was bereaved from their home in the fire”

It is important to use these words correctly to avoid confusion and to accurately convey your intended meaning. We encourage readers to continue learning about grammar and language use to improve their communication skills.