unbrotherly
Definition
Adjective: - Not befitting a brother: "unbrotherly" describes actions, attitudes, or behavior that are not characteristic of a brotherly relationship — lacking the kindness, loyalty, or affection expected between brothers.
Usage Examples
- (He acted in a way that was not kind or supportive, as a brother should be.)
- (The clause was unfair and not in the spirit of brotherly love.)
Advanced Usage
"unbrotherly conduct": behavior that violates the expected norms of brotherly affection or solidarity.
- The court ruled that the unbrotherly conduct constituted a breach of family trust. (The actions were judged as contrary to brotherly duty.)
"unbrotherly rivalry": competition that becomes hostile or unfair, exceeding normal sibling rivalry.
- Their unbrotherly rivalry destroyed the family business. (Their competition was not healthy but damaging and cruel.)
Variants and Related Words
Unbrotherliness (noun): the quality or state of being unbrotherly.
- The unbrotherliness of his actions was evident to everyone. (His lack of brotherly feeling was clear.)
Brotherly (adjective): showing the kindness and affection expected of a brother.
- He gave his brother a brotherly hug. (A warm, affectionate embrace.)
Synonyms
- Unfraternal: not showing the friendship or support typical of brothers.
- Unkind: lacking in kindness or sympathy.
- Hostile: unfriendly or antagonistic.
Related Idioms
No love lost between them: a phrase indicating a lack of brotherly affection or goodwill.
- There is no love lost between the two brothers; their relationship is entirely unbrotherly. (They do not care for each other.)
Not a brother's keeper: a reference to a lack of responsibility or care for a sibling.
- He refused to help his brother, acting in a completely unbrotherly way — he was not his brother's keeper. (He rejected the duty of caring for his brother.)