— rifely , adv. — rifeness , n.
/ruyf/ , adj.
1. of common or frequent occurrence; prevalent; in widespread existence, activity, or use: Crime is rife in the slum areas of our cities.
2. current in speech or report: Rumors are rife that the government is in financial difficulty.
3. abundant, plentiful, or numerous.
4. abounding (usually fol. by with ).
[ bef. 1150; ME; OE rife; c. MD rijf abundant, ON rifr ]
Syn. 3. plenteous, multitudinous; teeming, swarming.
Ant. 3. scarce.