What is half-brother? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of half-brother

half-brothernoun

/ˈhɑːfˌbrʌðə/
Definition & pronunciation of half-brother

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "half-brother" in English. It can be tricky because of the hyphen! Here's a breakdown:

1. "Half":

  • ˈhæf (pronounced like "haf") - Think of the "a" as in "father" and the "f" as in "fun".

2. "Brother":

  • ˈbroðər (pronounced like "broth-er") - This is where it gets a bit tricky. The "th" sound is a soft "th" like in "think" or "this". It’s not a hard “t” sound.
    • ˈbro - Like "bro" as in "brotherly"
    • ðər – The “ð” represents the soft "th" sound.

3. Putting it Together:

  • ˈhæf-ˈbroðər

Here's a way to hear it:

Key Points to Remember:

  • The hyphen: The hyphen doesn't change the pronunciation of the individual words.
  • The “th” sound: Focus on making the “th” in “brother” soft and gentle. Think "this" or "that" rather than "top" or "tap."

Would you like me to:

  • Break down any specific part of the pronunciation further?
  • Provide alternative pronunciations (though the one above is standard)?

Usage and examples with the word half-brother in English

Let's break down how to use the word "half-brother" correctly and effectively in English.

1. Definition:

A "half-brother" is a male person who shares one parent with another person (usually a sibling). They are siblings in terms of having the same parent, but not in terms of having the same mother or father.

2. Usage - Sentences and Examples:

  • Describing Family Relationships: This is the most common use.

    • "John is my half-brother; our mother married my father after she was divorced."
    • "She never knew she had a half-brother living in Australia until her father shared the news."
    • "The adoption paperwork clearly defined the relationship – he was my half-brother.”

  • Legal Context (Adoption, Inheritance): "Half-brother" plays a role in legal matters.

    • “Due to his half-brother’s passing, he inherited a portion of the estate."
    • “The adoption laws regarding half-siblings can be complex."

  • Narrative and Character Development (Fiction): Authors use it to add layers to a story's characters.

    • "Mark struggled with a complicated relationship with his half-brother, feeling a mix of resentment and affection."
    • “The half-brother, a successful artist, offered a stark contrast to the quiet life of the narrator.”

  • General Conversation (Less common, but possible):

    • “I met my half-brother last weekend. We bonded over a shared interest in vintage cars.”

3. Important Nuances & Considerations:

  • Gender Specific: "Half-brother" only applies to males. For a female half-sibling, you'd use "half-sister."
  • Clarification: It's often helpful to briefly elaborate on the relationship when first introducing someone as a half-brother, especially if it’s not immediately obvious. Something like "He's my half-brother, our mothers were sisters" is useful.
  • Relationship Strength: The relationship between a half-brother and half-sister can vary drastically – from distant and unknown to incredibly close and connected. The word itself doesn't convey the strength of that relationship.

4. Common Mistakes to Avoid:

  • Using it interchangeably with "step-brother": “Step-brother” refers to a male who is the son of a parent and a different spouse. A "half-brother" shares one parent with the other person.
  • Using it for a female sibling: Always use "half-sister" for a female half-sibling.

Resources for Further Learning:

Do you want me to:

  • Give you more specific examples within a certain context (e.g., family drama, legal proceedings)?
  • Explain how "half-brother" might be perceived culturally?

Synonyms for the word half-brother

Practice with vocabulary half-brother

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. After his mother remarried, John gained a new family member who shared his mother but had a different father. This individual was his ____________.
  2. My ____________ at the law firm often collaborates with me on complex cases, sharing insights and responsibilities.
  3. Despite their different fathers, the two boys always felt a strong connection, considering each other a ____________ and an integral part of their blended family.
  4. Though we share a great-grandmother, he is actually my third ____________, not a direct sibling.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Mark's mother married a new partner who already had a son. Mark's new sibling, who shares his mother but has a different father, would be considered his: a) Step-brother b) Full brother c) Half-brother d) Adopted brother

  2. When discussing immediate family, which of the following terms accurately describes a male sibling who shares only one biological parent with you? a) Kin b) Half-brother c) Relative d) Kinsman

  3. Someone with whom you regularly interact in a professional setting, but is not a family member, could be your: a) Half-brother b) Peer c) Associate d) Kinsman

  4. Due to evolving family structures, it's common for children to have siblings who share either their mother or their father, but not both. Such a sibling is often referred to as a: a) Foster brother b) Half-brother c) Step-brother d) Distant relative

  5. If your mother marries someone new and that person already has a son from a previous marriage, that son would typically be referred to as your: a) Half-brother b) Step-brother c) Foster brother d) Genetic brother

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. My father had a son with his previous wife before he married my mother.
  2. The man who shares a mother with me, but not a father, is coming to visit this weekend.
  3. After my mother remarried, her new husband's daughter from his previous marriage became part of our household.

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. half-brother
  2. colleague
  3. half-brother
  4. cousin

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. c) Half-brother
  2. a) Kin, b) Half-brother, c) Relative, d) Kinsman (All are technically correct, with 'Half-brother' being the most specific)
  3. b) Peer, c) Associate
  4. b) Half-brother
  5. b) Step-brother

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. My half-brother is the son my father had with his previous wife. (or: My half-brother was born to my father and his previous wife.)
  2. My half-brother is coming to visit this weekend.
  3. After my mother remarried, her new husband's daughter became my step-sister.

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