Definition of rife

The word "rife" comes from the Old English word "ryfan," which meant "open" or "loose." This evolved into the Middle English phrase "ryven" or "ryvene," which referred to the loose-fitting joints of an arrow in a quiver. As the English language developed, "rife" began to take on a wider meaning. By the late 1400s, it was being used to describe something that was abundant, plentiful, or prevalent. This usage likely came from the idea that a quiver full of arrows was plentiful and ready for use. Over time, "rife" came to be associated with disease as well. In the 1500s, "rife" began to be used to describe an epidemic or pandemic, likely from the idea that a population affected by a disease is similarly plentiful. Today, the word "rife" is often used figuratively to describe something that is prevalent or common, particularly in negative contexts such as "rife with corruption" or "rife with danger." However, it can also be used more simply to describe something that is abundant or prosperous, as in "rife with opportunities." In short, the modern meaning of the word "rife" can be traced back to its origins as a descriptor of the loose-fitting joints of arrows, and has evolved over time to encompass a wider range of meanings.