ENGLISH
REFERENCE

brotherly

adj.
C1 Advanced US //ˈbɹəðɝɫi// UK //bɹˈʌðəli// broth·er·ly Archaic

adj. describing a relationship or behavior that is like that of a brother — friendly, loyal, and supportive.

adj. relating to or characteristic of a brother; exhibiting the qualities of a brother, such as loyalty, affection, and solidarity.


SIMPLE

The two friends shared a brotherly bond.

CONTEXTUAL

The older brother showed his younger sibling a brotherly kindness by helping him with his homework.

COMPLEX

The novel explores the complex brotherly rivalry that defined the lives of the two protagonists, ultimately leading to a tragic yet cathartic resolution.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Etymology 1

From Middle English brotherly, from Old English brōþorlīċ, from Proto-Germanic *brōþurlīkaz, equivalent to brother + -ly (adjectival suffix). Cognate with Dutch broederlijk (“brotherly”), German brüderlich (“brotherly”), Swedish broderlig (“brotherly”). Piecewise doublet of friarly.

Etymology 2

From Middle English brotherly, equivalent to brother + -ly (adverbial suffix).

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