I. ˈrīf adjective
( -er/-est )
Etymology: Middle English rif, rive, ryfe, from Old English rȳfe; akin to Middle Low German rīve abundant, Old Norse rīfr munificent, abundant
1.
a. : existing generally : prevalent
similar magical practices were rife in antiquity — J.G.Frazer
speculation was rife as to a possible alliance — Americana Annual
manipulation in the stock was rife — Harold Wincott
disease and starvation were rife — Collier's Year Book
b. : commonly reported : current
rumors of overwhelming evidence to convict him were rife — George Meredith
legends were rife of its extraordinary wealth — John Buchan
c. : frequently heard or used
what's the adage rife in man's mouth — Robert Browning
2.
a. : abundant , plentiful , numerous
a considerable poet himself in days when poets were rife — O.S.J.Gogarty
genius … is nearly extinct, and talent is unprecedentedly rife — G.D.Painter
berets are rife here — Lois Long
b. : rank , strong
in the deep jungle … everything was damp and rife and hot — Norman Mailer
when issues are hotly contested and prejudices are rife — F.L.Mott
3. : abounding, replete — usually used with with
the district is rife with legends — Richard Joseph
the science of animal behavior is rife with controversy — Scientific American Reader
4. dialect : quick , ready , inclined
could see that Katty's eyes were rife for mischief — Daniel Corkery
Synonyms: see prevailing
II. adverb
( -er/-est )
Etymology: Middle English rif, rife, from rif, rife rife, adjective
: rifely
weeds grew rife in the vacant lots