What is brother? Pronunciation and usage in English

brother means . Learn how to pronounce and use brother through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of brother

brothernoun

/ˈbrʌðə/
Definition & pronunciation of brother

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "brother" in English. It's a tricky one for many learners! Here's a breakdown:

The most common and generally accepted pronunciation is:

  • /ˈbrɑðər/ (This is phonetic spelling - it shows the sounds)

Let's break that down further:

  1. ˈbrɑð: This is the initial part.

    • ˈ (This symbol means "primary stress" - it's the loudest and most emphasized syllable.)
    • br - Pronounced like the "br" in "bread."
    • ɑ - This is the "a" sound as in "father" or "car". It's a short, open "ah" sound. (Some dialects may use a slightly different vowel sound here - more on that later)
    • ð - This is the "th" sound as in "this" or "that." It's a voiced "th" – your vocal cords vibrate.

  2. -er: This is a simple "-er" ending. It's pronounced like "er" in "her."

Regional Variations & Tips:

  • Southern US: In some Southern American dialects, you might hear it pronounced more like /ˈbrɑɾər/ (with a "ɾ" sound – a quick, flicking "r" sound, similar to the Spanish "r"). This is becoming less common.

  • British English: In some parts of the British Isles, you might hear /ˈbrʌðər/. The vowel sound "u" is closer to "uh."

  • The "th" sound: The "th" sound can be tricky for non-native speakers. Make sure you're voicing it (your vocal cords vibrate). If you're struggling, practice saying "this" and "that" repeatedly.

Resources for Hearing the Pronunciation:

  • Google Translate: Type "brother" into Google Translate and click the speaker icon to hear the pronunciation.
  • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/brother/ – This website has pronunciations from native speakers around the world.
  • Youglish: https://youglish.com/w/brother – This website shows you how the word is pronounced in YouTube videos.

To help me tailor my explanation even further, could you tell me:

  • What is your native language? (This can give me a better idea of potential pronunciation challenges.)

Usage and examples with the word brother in English

Let's break down how to use the word "brother" in English. It's a pretty straightforward word, but there are nuances to consider.

1. Basic Definition:

  • A male sibling: At its most basic, "brother" refers to a male child of your parents. This is the most common and widely understood meaning.

    • Example: “I have a brother named David.”

2. Different Types of Brothers:

  • Full Brother: This is a brother who shares the same parents with you.

    • Example: “My full brother and I used to play together all the time.”

  • Half Brother: This is a brother who shares only one parent with you (either mother or father).

    • Example: “She has a half brother who lives in Australia.”

  • Stepbrother: This is a brother through marriage. One of your parents remarried, and the new partner has a son who is related to you through marriage.

    • Example: “He’s my stepbrother; my dad remarried last year.”

  • Adopted Brother: A brother you’ve legally adopted.

    • Example: "My adopted brother is really into music."

3. Figurative Uses (Beyond Literal Siblings):

"Brother" can also be used figuratively, meaning someone you consider a close friend or ally. This is especially common in certain communities (like cycling, motorsports, and even some online communities).

  • Informal/Friendly Relationship: You’re using "brother" to express camaraderie and mutual respect.

    • Example: "That guy is a true brother – he’s always there to lend a hand."
    • Example: "Let's be brothers and work on this project together." (meaning let's be cooperative and supportive)

  • Referring to a Group: Sometimes it’s used to refer to a group of people with a shared interest.

    • Example: "The cycling community are a great bunch of brothers and sisters."

4. Grammar & Usage:

  • Possessive: You can use "brother's" to show possession.
    • Example: "My brother's bike is brand new."
  • Plural: "Brothers" is the plural form.
    • Example: "I have two brothers."

5. Tone & Context:

  • Informal: "Brother" is usually an informal term. Using it in a very formal setting (like a legal document) would sound odd.
  • Friendly/Casual: It's best used when you have a comfortable, friendly relationship with the person.

Resources for Further Learning:

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • Are you wondering about a specific situation where you want to use the word "brother"?
  • Are you interested in the figurative uses of the word?

Synonyms for the word brother

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