Brethren

Pronunciation

• IPA: /ˈbrɛðrÉ™n/

Origin

From Early Modern English brethren (plural of brother.), from Middle English brethere, brether + -en, alteration, due to Old English brēþer, of Old English brōþor, brōþru ("brothers, brethren"). Compare German Brüder ("brothers, brethren"). More at brother. The vowel change from o to e is called Germanic umlaut.

Noun

plural

1. (archaic) Plural of brother
2. (figuratively) the body of members, especially of a fraternal, religious or military order

Usage notes

The plural "brethren" is generally used for members of an organization, especially a religious body, whereas the plural "brothers" is used in the familial sense as well as for larger groups.