brethren

See also: Brethren

English

Alternative forms

Etymology

From Early Modern English brethren, plural of brother, from Middle English brethren, from Middle English brethere, brether + -en (plural ending). Ultimately from Old English brōþor, brōþru (“brothers, brethren”), influenced by Old English brēþer, dative singular of brōþor (“brother”). Equivalent to brother +‎ -en pl. Compare German Brüder (“brothers, brethren”). More at brother. The vowel change (from o to e) is called in English rephonologization or cheshirization, but is more usual in German where it is called umlaut.

Pronunciation
  • IPA(key): /ˈbɹɛðɹən/
  • Audio (US)(file)

Noun

brethren

  1. (archaic) plural of brother
  2. (figuratively) The body of members, especially of a fraternal, religious or military order.

Usage notes

The plural brethren is generally used for members of an organization, especially a religious body, whereas the plural brothers is used in the familial sense as well as for larger groups.

Derived terms

Translations
the body of members
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Translations to be checked

Adjective

brethren (comparative more brethren, superlative most brethren)

  1. Of or akin to; related; like
    • 2009, Seth Shostak, Confessions of an Alien Hunter:
      The principle still sounds good, but our astronomical knowledge is limited, and we haven't yet discovered any such brethren solar systems.

See also
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