rife

[ rahyf ]
/ raɪf /

adjective

of common or frequent occurrence; prevalent; in widespread existence, activity, or use: Crime is rife in the slum areas of our cities.
current in speech or report: Rumors are rife that the government is in financial difficulty.
abundant, plentiful, or numerous.
abounding (usually followed by with).

Origin of rife

before 1150; Middle English; Old English rīfe; cognate with Middle Dutch rijf abundant, Old Norse rīfr

OTHER WORDS FROM rife

rife·ly, adverb rife·ness, noun o·ver·rife, adjective un·rife, adjective

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH rife

rife ripe (see synonym study at ripe)

Example sentences from the Web for rife

British Dictionary definitions for rife

rife
/ (raɪf) /

adjective (postpositive)

of widespread occurrence; prevalent or current rumour was rife in the village
very plentiful; abundant
(foll by with) abounding (in) a land rife with poverty

Derived forms of rife

rifely, adverb rifeness, noun

Word Origin for rife

Old English rīfe; related to Old Norse rīfr generous, Middle Dutch rīve