Rife
WordNet
adjective
(1) Excessively abundant
(2) Encountered generally especially at the present time
"The prevailing opinion was that a trade war could be averted"
"The most prevalent religion in our area"
"Speculation concerning the books author was rife"
WiktionaryText
Etymology
Late , }, or , from Germanic. Cognate with West Frisian , Norwegian .
Adjective
- Widespread, common (especially of unpleasant or harmful things).
- Smallpox was rife after the siege had been lifted.
- Abounding; present in large numbers, plentiful.
- The red deer are rife in these woodlands.
Adverb
- Plentifully, abundantly.
- The snowdrops grow rife on the slopes of Mount Pembroke.