Main Entry:

rife

Pronunciation:

\ˈrīf\

Function:

adjective

Etymology:

Middle English ryfe, from Old English rȳfe; akin to Old Norse rīfr abundant

Date:

12th century

1 : prevalent especially to an increasing degree <suspicion and cruelty were rife — W. E. B. DuBois> 2 : abundant, common 3 : copiously supplied : abounding —usually used with with<rife with rumors>

— rife adverb

— rife·ly adverb