adj.
Pronunciation: ' r ī f
Function: adjective
Etymology: Middle English ryfe, from Old English ry ̄ fe; akin to Old Norse r ī fr 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