brother
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1 male sibling (n.) A1 Beginnera boy or man who has the same parents as you.
a male person in relation to other children of the same parents.
ExampleMy older brother helped me with my math homework last night.
ExampleAlthough they are twins, my brother and I have developed vastly different professional interests over the years.
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2 religious member (n.) B2 Upper Intermediate Formal Religiona man who belongs to a religious group, like a monk.
a male member of a religious order who has not been ordained as a priest.
ExampleThe brothers at the monastery spend their mornings in quiet prayer.
ExampleBrother Thomas has dedicated his life to the service of the poor within the local parish community.
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3 close friend or ally (n.) B1 Intermediate Informala man who shares the same ideas, goals, or background as you.
a male comrade or associate linked by a common cause, ethnicity, or shared experience.
ExampleWe have been through a lot together; he is like a brother to me.
ExampleThe soldiers viewed each other as brothers after enduring the hardships of the winter campaign together.
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4 informal address (n.) B2 Upper Intermediate Informal Slanga friendly way to talk to another man.
a familiar or colloquial form of address used between men, often implying solidarity.
ExampleHey brother, can you tell me the way to the train station?
ExampleListen, brother, I appreciate the advice, but I need to make this decision on my own.
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5 expressing annoyance (interj.) B2 Upper Intermediate Informal American Englisha word you say when you are annoyed or surprised.
an exclamation used to express frustration, exasperation, or disbelief.
ExampleOh brother, I forgot my keys in the car again.
ExampleOh brother, not another meeting about the office coffee machine.