From Middle Dutch gerijf, gerief. Possibly derived from Middle Dutch rive, rieve (“abundant, mild”) with the prefix ge-, from uncertain origin. Possibly ultimately from Proto-Germanic *rībaz (“generous, abundant”) and related to Lithuanian riebus (“fat”).

gerief n (uncountable, no diminutive)

comfort, ease
Synonyms: comfort, gemak
use, utility
(especially in compounds) equipment, tools
Synonyms: gerei, gereedschap
things, stuff
Er zit teveel gerief in mijn sacoche—ik vind mijne gsm niet.
There are too many things in my handbag—I can't find my mobile phone.

Afrikaans

Dutch