Definition

Noun (plural): 1. Fellow members of a religious order, profession, or society: Used to refer to men who are united by a common bond, such as membership in a religious group, a fraternal organization, or a shared profession. It implies a sense of brotherhood and fellowship. 2. (Archaic or formal) Brothers: An archaic or formal plural of "brother," often used in religious, ceremonial, or historical contexts.

Usage

• The word "brethren" is used as a plural noun. It is not used with a singular verb.
• It is considered formal, literary, or archaic in general contexts but remains in active use within specific religious and fraternal organizations.
• It often carries a connotation of spiritual or ideological kinship rather than (or in addition to) biological relation.

Examples

• Religious Context:
  • The minister addressed the congregation, saying, "My brethren, let us pray."
  • The monastic brethren gather for prayer seven times a day.
• Fraternal/Organizational Context:
  • The lodge welcomed its new brethren with a formal ceremony.
  • We must support our brethren in the teaching profession.

Advanced Usage

• "Dearly beloved brethren...": A traditional opening phrase in Christian liturgy and sermons, directly addressing the assembled community.
• "Band of brethren": A phrase denoting a close-knit group of comrades, often used in historical or poetic contexts.
  • They fought side by side, a loyal band of brethren.

Variants and Related Words

• Brother (n): The singular form. A male sibling; a man or boy in relation to other sons and daughters of his parents; a male fellow member of a group.
• Brotherhood (n): The relationship between brothers; an association or community of people linked by a common interest, profession, or belief.
• Fraternal (adj): Of or like a brother; relating to a fraternity.

Synonyms

• Brothers: The standard modern plural.
• Comrades: Fellow members of a group, especially one involved in struggle or work.
• Fellows: Members of the same group or society.
• Confreres: Colleagues or fellow members of a profession.

Notes on Meaning

• The primary contemporary use of "brethren" is within religious communities (e.g., Christian denominations, monastic orders) to refer to male members.
• Its use outside of these contexts can sound old-fashioned or intentionally formal. In modern secular English, "brothers" is almost always preferred.
• It is important to note that "brethren" is not simply a synonym for "brothers" in all cases; it specifically evokes a formal or spiritual bond.

Noun

1. (plural) the lay members of a male religious order