different between brethren vs sisters

English

Alternative forms

• brethern (obsolete)

Etymology

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

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /?b??ð??n/

Noun

brethren

1. (archaic) plural of brother

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.

Derived terms

Noun

brethren pl (plural only)

1. (figuratively) The body of members, especially of a fraternal, religious or military order.

Translations

Adjective

brethren (comparative more brethren, superlative most brethren)

1. Of or akin to; related; like

See also

• Brethren
• brother
• sistren and nun
• friar and frater or father
• brotherhood, sisterhood
• fraternity
• siblings

English

Pronunciation

• (Received Pronunciation) IPA^(key): /?s?st?z/
• (US) IPA^(key): /?s?s.t?z/

Noun

sisters

1. plural of sister

Verb

sisters

1. Third-person singular simple present indicative form of sister

See also

• sistren

Anagrams

• resists