Definition of brethren

brethrennoun

anh em

/ˈbreðrən//ˈbreðrən/

The word "brethren" originates from the Old English word "broþor", which is derived from the Proto-Germanic word "*brathiz", meaning "kinsman" or "fellow". This Proto-Germanic word is also the source of the Modern English word "brother". In Old English, "broþor" referred to a male sibling or a close acquaintance. In the Middle English period (circa 11th to 15th centuries), "brethren" emerged as a plural form of "brother", referring to a group of related or affiliated individuals. Over time, the term has taken on a range of meanings, including "fellow Christians", "members of a religious order", or simply "people from a common background or group". Today, "brethren" is often used in a spiritual or non-literal sense, emphasizing a sense of brotherly love, unity, or shared identity. Despite its evolution in meaning, the word "brethren" retains its strong roots in Old English and its connection to the concept of fraternal relationships.

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used to talk to people in church or to talk about the members of a male religious group

dùng để nói chuyện với mọi người trong nhà thờ hoặc nói về các thành viên của một nhóm tôn giáo nam

Example:
  • Let us pray, brethren.

    Chúng ta hãy cầu nguyện, anh em ạ.

people who are part of the same society as yourself

những người là một phần của cùng một xã hội với bạn

Example:
  • We should do all we can to help our less fortunate brethren.

    Chúng ta nên làm mọi cách có thể để giúp đỡ những người anh em kém may mắn của mình.

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