English Reference

Word

brother

Phoneticsbroth·er

US/ˈbɹəðɝ/

UK/bɹˈʌðɐ/

Definitions

01male sibling

A1

n. a boy or man who has the same parents as you.

n. a male person in relation to other children of the same parents.

“My older brother helped me with my math homework last night.”

“Although they are twins, my brother and I have developed vastly different professional interests over the years.”

Synonyms

Antonyms

02religious member

B2 · Religion

n. a man who belongs to a religious group, like a monk.

n. a male member of a religious order who has not been ordained as a priest.

“The brothers at the monastery spend their mornings in quiet prayer.”

“Brother Thomas has dedicated his life to the service of the poor within the local parish community.”

Formal

Synonyms

03close friend or ally

B1

n. a man who shares the same ideas, goals, or background as you.

n. a male comrade or associate linked by a common cause, ethnicity, or shared experience.

“We have been through a lot together; he is like a brother to me.”

“The soldiers viewed each other as brothers after enduring the hardships of the winter campaign together.”

Informal

Synonyms

Antonyms

04informal address

B2

n. a friendly way to talk to another man.

n. a familiar or colloquial form of address used between men, often implying solidarity.

“Hey brother, can you tell me the way to the train station?”

“Listen, brother, I appreciate the advice, but I need to make this decision on my own.”

Informal · Slang

Synonyms

05expressing annoyance

B2

interj. a word you say when you are annoyed or surprised.

interj. an exclamation used to express frustration, exasperation, or disbelief.

“Oh brother, I forgot my keys in the car again.”

“Oh brother, not another meeting about the office coffee machine.”

Informal · American English

Synonyms

good griefman

Collocations

brother uncle

Word family

Related words

This entry

Level
A1 · Beginner
Frequency
Very common
Updated

Scan code

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English Reference