Rife Meaning in English
word
Definition
If something is rife, it is very common and widespread, often something negative like a problem or bad situation.
Usage & Nuances
'Rife' is formal and almost always used to describe negative things (disease, rumors, corruption). It follows a 'be + rife' structure and is not used before nouns ('corruption is rife,' NOT 'rife corruption'). Common with 'with' ('rife with'), meaning 'full of'.
Example Sentences
Corruption is rife in the city government.
basic
Rumors were rife during the crisis.
basic
In summer, mosquitoes are rife near the lake.
basic
Online scams are rife these days, so be careful with your personal information.
natural
The streets were rife with tension after the announcement.
natural
In the past, disease was rife in crowded cities before modern medicine improved things.
natural