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Sibling Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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sibling

[ˈsɪblɪŋ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

family

A sibling is a brother or sister. Siblings share the same parents and usually grow up together in the same household. Siblings can have a strong bond and often have a lifelong relationship.

Synonyms

brother, sib, sister.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
sibling

Use 'sibling' when referring to a brother or a sister in a general or formal context. This word is gender-neutral.

  • She has three siblings: one brother and two sisters.
  • Sibling rivalry can be tough to manage.
brother

Use 'brother' when specifically referring to a male sibling. This word is more specific and informal.

  • My brother is coming to visit me next week.
  • He always looked up to his older brother.
sister

Use 'sister' when specifically referring to a female sibling. It's specific and commonly used in daily conversation.

  • Her sister just got married.
  • My sister and I share clothes all the time.
sib

Use 'sib' in informal contexts or in conversations where brevity is preferred. It is a slang term for sibling.

  • I haven't seen my sib in years.
  • We're having a sib reunion this weekend.

Examples of usage

  • My sister is my closest sibling.
  • He has two siblings, a brother and a sister.
Context #2 | Noun

general

In a broader sense, a sibling can refer to any individual who shares a common ancestry or background with another person. This can include cousins, half-siblings, or even close friends who are like family.

Synonyms

companion, kin, relative.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
sibling

Used to describe a brother or sister. Typically used in family-related discussions.

  • I have two siblings: an older brother and a younger sister.
  • Siblings often have strong and unique bonds.
kin

Used to describe someone related by blood, often used in formal or historical contexts.

  • All my kin came to the family reunion.
  • He felt a strong connection to his kin despite the distance.
relative

A general term used to describe any family member, including distant ones.

  • I visited my relatives during the holidays.
  • She has relatives all over the country.
companion

Refers to someone who accompanies or spends a lot of time with another person. This term can apply to friends, pets, or partners.

  • He is my constant companion on all my travels.
  • A dog can be a loyal companion.

Examples of usage

  • She considers her best friend to be a sibling.
  • They grew up together and are as close as siblings.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Research shows that having siblings can shape personality traits, promoting social skills and emotional intelligence.
  • Sibling relationships can influence conflict resolution skills and how individuals navigate relationships later in life.

Cultural Perspectives

  • In many cultures, siblings have unique roles; for example, in some Asian cultures, older siblings are expected to care for younger ones.
  • Sibling rivalry is a common theme in stories across cultures, highlighting competition and love between siblings.

Pop Culture

  • In television series like 'Friends' and 'The Simpsons', sibling dynamics often contribute to humor and emotional depth.
  • Many famous book series, like 'Harry Potter', explore sibling relationships, showcasing both conflicts and deep bonds.

Statistics

  • Studies indicate that about 80% of people in the world have at least one sibling.
  • In many developed countries, the average number of siblings per family has decreased over the years due to various social changes.

Origin of 'sibling'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'sibling' comes from the Old English word 'syb,' which meant 'related by blood or family.'
  • In the Middle Ages, the term evolved to refer specifically to brothers and sisters, combining the roots of 'brother' and 'sister.'

The word 'sibling' originated from the Old English word 'sibb' which meant 'relative' or 'kin'. The term 'sibling' specifically referring to brothers and sisters gained popularity in the 1900s. The concept of siblings and their relationships has been studied extensively in psychology and sociology, highlighting the importance of these familial bonds.

See also: sibyl.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #14,596, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.