Brothers Meaning: Definition and Examples
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brothers
[ˈbrʌðərz ]
Definition
family relation
Brothers refer to male siblings who share at least one biological or legal parent. They often have a close familial bond and may share upbringing, experiences, and responsibilities.
Synonyms
bro, kinsmen, male relative, siblings.
Examples of usage
- My brothers and I went fishing this weekend.
- He has two younger brothers who look up to him.
- The brothers decided to start a business together.
- Growing up, my brothers were my best friends.
- The brothers played in the park every Saturday.
Interesting Facts
Cultural Significance
- In many cultures, brothers have a special bond and are often expected to look after one another.
- The term 'brother' can extend beyond biological relationships, often used to describe close male friends or members of a community.
Literature
- Brothers often feature prominently in stories and myths, symbolizing loyalty, rivalry, or adventure, like in the tales of Cain and Abel or the ancient Indian epic Mahabharata.
- Famous literary works showcase the dynamics between brothers, such as 'The Brothers Karamazov' by Fyodor Dostoevsky, which explores deep philosophical questions.
Psychology
- Research shows that having a brother can impact personality development, helping one to learn negotiation and conflict resolution skills.
- Brothers often play a key role in shaping childhood memories and emotional health through shared experiences, both positive and challenging.
Pop Culture
- TV shows and movies often explore brotherly relationships, such as the bond between the characters in 'The Brothers' or the reality series 'Brother vs. Brother.'
- Famous sibling pairs like the Wright brothers changed the course of aviation history, showcasing how brothers can collaborate on groundbreaking innovations.
Origin of 'brothers'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'brother' comes from the Old English word 'brōðor,' which is related to similar words in other languages like 'frère' in French.
- In many languages, the root for 'brother' comes from ancient languages, showing how important family ties have always been.
The word 'brother' originates from the Old English term 'brōþor', which in turn comes from the Proto-Germanic '*broþar' and the Proto-Indo-European root '*bhrāter'. Its usage has evolved over centuries, retaining its meaning of a male sibling across various languages. The concept of brotherhood transcends biological ties, extending into societal and cultural contexts, often symbolizing unity, camaraderie, and loyalty among males. In many societies, the idea of brothers may encapsulate both familial relationships and the bonds formed between close friends or peers, often framing the narrative of kinship and loyalty. The term has also been utilized in various religious and spiritual contexts, denoting communal bonds, as seen in phrases like 'brothers in faith'.