gerief

Noun

gerief (plural geriewe)

1. amenity, comfort

Etymology

From Middle Dutch gerijf, gerief. Possibly derived from Middle Dutch rive, rieve (“abundant, mild”) with the prefix ge-, from uncertain origin. Possibly ultimately from Proto-Germanic *rībaz (“generous, abundant”) and related to Lithuanian riebus (“fat”).

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ɣəˈrif/

• Audio

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Noun

gerief n (uncountable)

1. comfort, ease

   Synonyms: comfort, gemak

2. use, utility
3. (especially in compounds) equipment, tools

   Synonyms: gerei, gereedschap

4. things, stuff

   Er zit teveel gerief in mijn sacoche—ik vind mijne gsm niet.

   There are too many things in my handbag—I can't find my mobile phone.

References