Brethren
/ˈbrɛðrən/
nounB2plural (archaic or formal)
Definition
Brethren means a group of brothers or people who are like brothers because they share the same group, belief, or purpose. It is often used in religious or formal contexts to talk about members of a community or group who feel close like family.
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⚡ See It in Action
Literal brothers (male siblings), used in old or formal speech
- •The brethren gathered at the family reunion.
- •He spoke to his brethren with great respect.
- •The story tells of brethren who stood together in hard times.
Members of a group with a shared belief or purpose, especially in religious contexts
- •The brethren of the church met every Sunday.
- •They are brethren in faith and support each other.
- •The brethren worked together to help their community.
🧲 Make It Stick
- ✓Think of 'brethren' like 'brothers' (A1 word), but used in a formal or old-fashioned way for a group of people who share something important
- ✓Picture a group of men in the same church or club, standing together as a family
- ✓It's the feeling of belonging to a close group where everyone cares for each other like family
- ✓Sounds like 'BRETH-ren' → imagine a breath (air) shared by many brothers standing close together
- ✓In stories or history, 'brethren' often means people united by faith or a common goal, like knights or monks
- ✓NOT like 'friends' (can be casual), brethren means a stronger bond like family or shared duty
- ✓NOT like 'siblings' (only family by birth), brethren can include people chosen or connected by belief or group
- ✓NOT like 'brothers' in everyday talk; brethren is more formal or old-style, often in religious or serious groups
🔄 Try Other Words
- •Brothers: male siblings or close male friends (Use in everyday, informal contexts)
- •Members: people who belong to a group (Use when emphasizing group membership, not family)
- •Fellowship: a group sharing common interests or beliefs (Use in religious or community contexts)
- •Comrades: companions with shared goals, often in serious or formal situations (Use when emphasizing teamwork or shared struggle)
🔍 Unboxing
- •Word parts: "brethren" is an old plural form of "brother," with an irregular ending "-en" instead of "-s"
- •Etymology: From Old English "brēðer" (brother) and the plural suffix "-en," used in plural forms like "children"
- •Historical development: Used in Middle English and earlier times as the plural of brother, especially in religious or formal speech
- •Modern usage: Mostly found in religious texts, formal writing, or historical contexts; rare in everyday speech
- •Key insight: "Brethren" carries a feeling of respect, closeness, and shared purpose beyond just family ties
💭 Reflect & Connect
•How does using the word "brethren" change the feeling when talking about a group compared to just saying "brothers" or "friends"?
•Can "brethren" be used for groups outside family or religion? When might it feel right or wrong to use it?
Fill in the blanks with the correct word:
1.The brethren gathered in the chapel to ___ their shared beliefs.
2.Unlike casual friends, brethren often have a ___ connection based on faith or purpose.
3.In old stories, brethren usually stand together during ___ times.
4.The word brethren sounds more ___ than just saying brothers.
5.When the brethren met, they showed ___ and respect to each other.
6.Brethren is often used in ___ or formal groups rather than everyday talk.
7.If someone calls a group "brethren," we can infer they feel ___ to each other beyond just friendship.