Meaning & Definition of word "Brethren"

Brethren

/ˈbrɛðərɪn/

noun:

  • 1. Brothers; male siblings or members of a religious community, often used in a broader sense to refer to members of a particular group.
    • Example: The organization's brethren gathered for their annual conference.
  • 2. Members of a particular group, especially a religious or fraternal order.
    • Example: The brethren of the monastery lived together in harmony.
  • 3. A term used to address or refer to fellow members of a church or other foundational community.
    • Example: He addressed his brethren from the pulpit during the Sunday service.

Etymology

Middle English brethrene, plural of brether, derived from Old English brēþra, from Proto-Germanic *broþar.

Common Phrases and Expressions

brethren in arms:

Soldiers or comrades who fight together.

brethren of the cloth:

Members of the clergy or religious leaders.

Related Words

brother:

A male sibling.

fraternity:

A group of individuals sharing common interests, often related to brotherhood.

Slang Meanings of brethren

Meaning: Used informally among friends or in a brotherly context.

Example Sentence: What's up, my brethren?

Meaning: A playful way to refer to close male friends.

Example Sentence: My brethren and I are going out tonight.