Brotherhood Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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brotherhood

[หˆbrสŒรฐษ™rhสŠd ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

unity

The state or relationship of being brothers.

Synonyms

camaraderie, solidarity, unity.

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Word Description / Examples
brotherhood

Used to describe a close relationship among a group of people who share common interests or objectives, often spiritual or communal. It suggests a profound bond and shared identity.

  • The brotherhood among these soldiers is unbreakable.
  • Monks in the monastery live in brotherhood.
unity

The state of being united or joined as a whole, typically used to describe larger groups or communities working together harmoniously.

  • The country's unity was evident in times of crisis.
  • Promoting national unity is essential for a stable society.
camaraderie

Describes a sense of trust, friendship, and good fellowship among people who spend a lot of time together, often in a working or playful environment.

  • The camaraderie among the teammates was evident during the game.
  • Office events help build camaraderie among employees.
solidarity

Refers to unity or agreement of feeling or action, especially among individuals with a common interest; typically used in contexts of support or advocacy for a cause.

  • The workers showed great solidarity during the strike.
  • There was a global sense of solidarity for the environmental movement.

Examples of usage

  • The brotherhood between the two friends was unbreakable.
  • There was a strong sense of brotherhood among the team members.
Context #2 | Noun

organization

An association or community of people linked by a common interest, religion, or trade.

Synonyms

association, fraternity, society.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
brotherhood

Used to describe a close relationship, often among men, with a sense of shared goals or experiences. This term can carry a strong sense of unity and solidarity.

  • The soldiers shared a deep sense of brotherhood after fighting together in the war.
  • The brotherhood among the team members was evident in their unwavering support for each other.
fraternity

Commonly used to describe a social organization, especially in American colleges, where male students live and participate in activities together. It can also refer more broadly to any group of people with shared interests or professions.

  • He joined a fraternity during his first year at university.
  • The medical fraternity gathered for their annual conference.
society

Used to refer to a group of individuals who come together for a common cause or to share common interests. Often implies a certain formality and can apply to various contexts, from casual clubs to highly specific professional groups.

  • She decided to become a member of the historical society to learn more about local history.
  • The literary society organized a reading with a famous author.
association

Used to refer to a formal group or organization formed for a specific purpose or activity. It has a more official and structured connotation.

  • He joined an association of local artists to showcase his paintings.
  • The trade association represents the interests of small businesses.

Examples of usage

  • The brotherhood of firefighters worked together to save lives.
  • He was part of a secret brotherhood that protected ancient artifacts.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Cultural Significance

  • Many cultures celebrate brotherhood, especially during festivals and rituals that emphasize community and unity.
  • Brotherhood is a common theme in literature, often portraying loyalty and collaboration among characters to achieve a noble goal.

Social Psychology

  • Research suggests that feelings of brotherhood can lead to increased cooperation and prosocial behaviors among group members.
  • Belonging to a group that fosters a sense of brotherhood can help reduce stress and provide emotional support.

Historical Context

  • Throughout history, various organizations, such as fraternities and sororities, have promoted brotherhood among members to foster a sense of belonging.
  • The term 'brotherhood' has also been used in political discourse, often highlighting the bonds of unity and collective identity during social movements.

Pop Culture

  • Films and books often explore themes of brotherhood, with examples like 'The Brother's Karamazov' and 'Band of Brothers' showcasing deep connections and the impact of loyalty.
  • The idea of brotherhood can be seen in popular music, with many songs emphasizing camaraderie, such as 'Lean on Me' and 'We Are Family'.

Origin of 'brotherhood'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'brotherhood' comes from the Old English 'broรพor', referring to a male sibling, combined with '-hood', which means 'state or condition'.
  • It has been in use since the 14th century and originally meant the state of being a brother or having brotherly ties.

The word 'brotherhood' originated from the Middle English word 'brotherhede', which was formed from 'brother' + 'hede' (meaning hood). It has been used since the 13th century to refer to the relationship between brothers and later expanded to include associations of people with common interests or beliefs.


Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #11,425, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.