brethren

Meaning

Frequency

C2
Pronounced as (IPA)
/ˈbɹɛðɹən/
Etymology

In summary

From Early Modern English brethren, plural of brother, from Middle English brethren, from Middle English brethere, brether + -en (plural ending). Ultimately from Old English brōþor, brōþru (“brothers, brethren”), influenced by Old English brēþer, dative singular of brōþor (“brother”). Equivalent to brother + -en (plural ending). Compare German Brüder (“brothers, brethren”). More at brother. The vowel change (from o to e) is called umlaut.

👨‍👦
New
brother

Bookmark this

Improve your pronunciation

English

Start learning English with learnfeliz.

Practice speaking and memorizing "brethren" and many other words and sentences in English.

Go to our English course page

Notes

Sign in to write sticky notes
Continue