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.