Reading Theme:
Brother: Definition, Examples, and Usage Guide (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：male sibling (brother)
brother
/ˈbrʌðə/
n.
A male who has the same parent(s) as you.
male sibling
➕
/meɪl ˈsɪblɪŋ/
n.
A male sibling; a boy or man who has the same parents as another person.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Old English broþor, from Proto-Germanic *brōþēr; akin to Latin frater.
💡 Mnemonic
Think: 'bro' + 'other' = brother: someone who is like another self.
📖 Example
My brother always helps me with my homework when I find it difficult.
My brother always helps me with my homework when I find it difficult.
🔗 Collocations
big brother – an older brother
little brother – a younger brother
brother and sister – siblings of different genders
🔄 Synonyms
🚫 Antonyms
sister (n.) – a female sibling
🌱 Derivatives
brotherly (adj.) – of or like a brother; affectionate
brotherhood (n.) – the relationship between brothers; a group of men united for a common purpose
stepbrother (n.) – a son of one's stepparent by a former marriage
📖 Cultural Story
Originates from Proto-Indo-European *bʰréh₂tēr. In medieval times, 'brother' also referred to monks. Common in phrases like 'brotherhood' and 'big brother' (authoritarian figure).
Meaning 2：close male friend (brother)
brother
/ˈbrʌðə/
n.
A close male friend that you feel like family.
close male friend
➕
/kloʊs meɪl frend/
n.
A male friend who is so close that he is considered like a family member.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
We've been through so much together, he's not just a friend, he's my brother.
We've been through so much together, he's not just a friend, he's my brother.
🔗 Collocations
brother from another mother – a very close male friend
blood brother – a close male friend bonded by a ritual
brotherly love – affection between close friends
🔄 Synonyms
🚫 Antonyms
enemy (n.) – a person who is opposed to another
🌱 Derivatives
fraternal (adj.) – of or like a brother; brotherly
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