Brothers: meaning, definitions and examples

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brothers

 

[ˈbrʌðərz ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

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

Etymology

  • 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.

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.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,153, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.