brothers - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
brothers Word Meanings
- a male sibling
- a man or boy with the same parents as another person
- a term of endearment for a close male friend
brothers Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
brothers Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ˈbrʌðə/
US
/ˈbrʌðər/
brothers Word Etymology
brother = 'bro' + 'ther' (root from Old English 'brōþor'); Origin: Old English → Proto-Germanic → Proto-Indo-European; Imagine a family gathering where brothers bond, sharing memories and supporting each other like a team.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputEnglish Brain Route
I push the door and move into the room, searching for his smile. I place a hand on his shoulder and feel a light shift in the air as we size up the plan together. The word brother settles in as a warm badge of trust, changing the way I offer a hand and choose my words. We keep talking, letting the pace slow and then quicken with each small decision.
Real Context
Brother is a versatile English word that can denote a male sibling, a man or boy who shares both parents with another person, or, in informal speech, a close male friend treated with warmth and camaraderie. In everyday use, you may hear phrases like older brother, younger brother, or brothers-in-arms to emphasize kinship or teamwork. The term also functions as a term of endearment, as in addressing a trusted friend as 'my brother.' Etymologically, brother comes from Old English brōþor, tracing back to Proto-Germanic and ultimately Proto-Indo-European roots. In social contexts, brothers often support one another, share memories, and stand as a unit, much like a team at a family gathering.
Usage Reminders
- - Use for a male sibling, but not for females; - For close male friends, 'my brother' or 'bro' fits casual speech; - Use 'older brother'/'younger brother' to indicate age gaps; - Avoid addressing strangers as 'my brother' in formal contexts; - The term carries warmth and solidarity, not a literal comparison of abilities.
Common Misconceptions
- It always means a male relative, not a close friend
- It can be used for females
- It never carries emotional nuance
- It only appears in formal writing
- It translates literally as 'bro' in all contexts
Thinking Differences
English often treats brother as both a literal kin term and a flexible, intimate address for male friends; many languages use distinct words for siblings versus close friends, which can confuse learners who try to map 'brother' directly onto those terms.
Learning Tips
- Practice distinguishing kinship vs. friend usage in context
- Memorize typical pairs: older brother, younger brother
- Avoid using 'brother' with people you are not familiar with in formal settings
- Recognize informal 'bro' as a casual address rather than a name
- Note the etymology to remember its broad sense
- Listen for intonation to gauge warmth or camaraderie
Related Listening
🌱 Lite (Beginner)
🔥 Advanced
Want to practice more words?
Download LexiTalk app for personalized learning experience
Download App