brethren: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal, Literary, Religious
Quick answer
What does “brethren” mean?
Brothers.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Brothers; members of a group sharing a common faith, profession, or belief.
Now archaic for 'brothers' in family contexts; primarily used to denote male members of a religious community, fraternal organization, or a group united by a shared cause or ideology.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning or usage; both use it primarily in formal/religious contexts. The archaic family sense is equally obsolete in both.
Connotations
Connotes tradition, solemnity, and shared purpose. Can sound pompous or ironically old-fashioned if misused in casual speech.
Frequency
Extremely low in general usage. Slightly higher frequency in UK English due to established state churches (e.g., Church of England) and historical societies, but the difference is marginal.
Grammar
How to Use “brethren” in a Sentence
ADJ + brethren (dear, fellow)brethren + PREP + NOUN (brethren in faith, brethren of the order)V + brethren (address the brethren, welcome the brethren)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “brethren” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- The vicar addressed his brethren from the pulpit.
- The brethren of the London livery company met for their annual dinner.
American English
- The pastor welcomed the visiting brethren to the conference.
- The Masonic brethren conducted the initiation ritual with solemnity.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used historically or in religious studies to refer to members of specific groups (e.g., the Plymouth Brethren).
Everyday
Not used, except in deliberate archaic or humorous imitation.
Technical
Used as a formal term within specific religious denominations or fraternal organizations (e.g., Freemasons).
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “brethren”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “brethren”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “brethren”
- Using it as a singular noun (*a brethren).
- Using it in casual contexts instead of 'brothers'.
- Misspelling as 'brethern' or 'bretheren'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not exactly. While it is archaic for family brothers, its primary modern use is specialized, referring to members of a religious or fraternal group with a sense of shared identity and purpose.
Traditionally, no. 'Brethren' is specifically male. Groups including both men and women would use 'brothers and sisters', 'members', or 'friends'. Some modern progressive religious communities might use it generically, but this is non-standard and debated.
'Brothers' can mean male siblings or, more broadly, male comrades/friends. 'Brethren' almost never means siblings today; it implies a formal, often oath-bound membership in a specific group (religious, monastic, fraternal).
Its usage has been preserved almost exclusively in formal, liturgical, and ceremonial language (e.g., the Bible, church addresses, Masonic rituals). It carries the weight of centuries of tradition, separating it from everyday vocabulary.
Brothers.
Brethren: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbreðrən/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈbreðrən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “My brethren… (as a formal address)”
- “A band of brethren”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'BRETHREN' as 'BROTHERS' who gather in a 'DEN' – a closed, often secretive group like a religious or fraternal den.
Conceptual Metaphor
A COMMUNITY IS A FAMILY (e.g., 'brethren in arms', 'brethren of the craft').
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the use of 'brethren' most appropriate and current?