Fraternal

Origin

From Middle French fraternel, from Medieval Latin frāternālis ("fraternal"), from Latin frāternus ("of or pertaining to a brother, fraternal"), from frāter ("brother").

Full definition of fraternal

Adjective

1. Of brothers (fraternal twins).
2. Related through a brother (fraternal nephew).
3. In need of a brother or sister or friend.
4. Like brothers (fraternal cousins).
5. Brotherly, befitting or of a brother or brothers.
• 1907, w, The Younger Set Chapter 1/2, His sister, Mrs. Gerard, stood there in carriage gown and sables, radiant with surprise. “Phil ! You ! Exactly like you, Philip, to come strolling in from the antipodes—dear fellow !” recovering from the fraternal embrace and holding both lapels of his coat in her gloved hands.
6. Friendly or brotherly (e.g. fraternal relations between socialist parties in different countries).
7. Being or of a society of men linked in brotherly union (List of general fraternities).
8. platonic (as fraternal love - brotherly love).

Synonyms

• brotherly

Antonyms

• (relating to a brother, with regard to gender) sororal
• (relating to a brother, with regard to heredity) paternal, maternal

Related terms

• fraternally
• fraternity
• fraternise, fraternize
• fratricide
• fraternal nephew, fraternal niece
• fraternal twin