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.