Bretheren vs. Brethren — Which is Correct Spelling?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on March 25, 2024
"Bretheren" is a common misspelling. "Brethren" is the correct spelling, denoting members of a particular group or sect.
Table of Contents
Which is correct: Bretheren or Brethren
How to spell Brethren?
Bretheren
Incorrect Spelling
Brethren
Correct Spelling
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Key Differences
Remember "thren" as in "then," which is correct, rather than "theren."
"Brethren" rhymes with "wreathen," thinking of unity or bond.
Use the phrase "better with brethren" to remember the right spelling.
Think of "breth" and "ren" combined to make the incorrect "Bretheren."
Recall "Brethren" is linked to "brother" which does not have "ere."
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How Do You Spell Brethren Correctly?
Incorrect: The bretheren shared a close bond.
Correct: The brethren shared a close bond.
Incorrect: He referred to the members of his church as bretheren.
Correct: He referred to the members of his church as brethren.
Incorrect: The club welcomed its new bretheren with open arms.
Correct: The club welcomed its new brethren with open arms.
Incorrect: In the meeting, all the bretheren agreed on the new policy.
Correct: In the meeting, all the brethren agreed on the new policy.
Incorrect: The community's bretheren were known for their charitable work.
Correct: The community's brethren were known for their charitable work.
Brethren Definitions
Members of a specific religious group or sect.
The Brethren gathered for their weekly service.
People belonging to a particular profession or group.
The scientific brethren debated the new theory.
A poetic or formal term for brothers.
He appealed to his brethren for aid.
Men of the same country or people.
He stood with his brethren against oppression.
A plural of brother.
Brethren Any of various Protestant denominations, especially those arising out of the Anabaptist and Pietist movements in Central Europe between the 15th and 18th centuries.
(archaic) brother
(poetic) kinsmen
(figuratively) The body of members, especially of a fraternal, religious or military order.
Of or akin to; related; like
(plural) the lay members of a male religious order
Members of a certain guild or fraternity.
The brethren of the mason's guild met annually.
Brethren Meaning in a Sentence
The brethren worked together to restore the old schoolhouse.
At the annual gathering, brethren from different states came together.
The elder spoke wisely, and the younger brethren listened intently.
The brethren shared their meals in silence, reflecting on their day.
The brethren of the monastery lived a life of prayer and work.
The brethren of the secret society were bound by a solemn oath.
The brethren took turns caring for the gardens that surrounded their living quarters.
Among the brethren, there was a strong sense of unity and brotherhood.
In times of hardship, the brethren supported each other unconditionally.
Every Sunday, the brethren gathered for a communal worship service.
Young brethren were taught the importance of discipline and kindness.
The brethren’s craftsmanship was evident in the furniture they made.
The new member was warmly received by the brethren of the community.
The council of brethren made decisions regarding the community’s welfare.
The brethren held a silent auction to raise funds for their charity work.
The brethren believed in the power of education and ran a small school.
On festive occasions, the brethren decorated their hall with banners and lights.
The brethren often went on retreats to remote locations to meditate and pray.
The brethren in the choir sang harmoniously during the service.
Historical records speak of brethren who traveled far to spread their beliefs.
Visitors often remarked on the peacefulness of the brethren's residence.
The brethren shared stories of their ancestors around the fire.
Brethren Idioms & Phrases
In the company of brethren
Being in a gathering or meeting with like-minded individuals or group members.
He felt most at home when he was in the company of brethren, sharing stories and ideas.
Brethren of the cloth
Clergymen or religious leaders who share a common faith or calling.
The conference was a gathering of brethren of the cloth, discussing ways to better serve their communities.
To treat someone as brethren
To treat someone with the kindness and respect afforded to a close family member or group member.
She always made an effort to treat strangers as brethren, offering help without hesitation.
Brethren in arms
Refers to soldiers or fighters who have formed a close bond through shared experiences in battles.
The veterans reminisced about their days as brethren in arms, facing challenges together.
All are brethren
A phrase highlighting the belief in the universal brotherhood of humanity, regardless of differences.
The community leader emphasized that despite our diverse backgrounds, all are brethren under the human race.
Brethren in spirit
Individuals who, although not related by blood, share similar beliefs or passions.
Although they came from different countries, they were brethren in spirit, united by their love for music.
Brethren of the coast
Historically, a term referring to pirates or buccaneers who operated as a loose coalition.
The novel depicted the adventures of the brethren of the coast, sailing the Caribbean in search of treasure.
Common Curiosities
What is the root word of Brethren?
The root word is "brother."
What is the verb form of Brethren?
There isn't a verb form for "Brethren."
What is the pronunciation of Brethren?
/ˈbrɛðrɪn/
Which vowel is used before Brethren?
The vowel "e."
What is the singular form of Brethren?
Brother.
Is Brethren an abstract noun?
No, it refers to a specific group of people.
Why is it called Brethren?
Derived from Old English, it refers to members of a group, often of a religious nature.
Which preposition is used with Brethren?
"Among" as in "among the brethren" or "of" as in "brethren of the order."
What is the plural form of Brethren?
Brethren itself is plural. The singular is "brother."
Which conjunction is used with Brethren?
Any conjunction can be used depending on the sentence structure.
How many syllables are in Brethren?
Two.
Is Brethren an adverb?
No.
Is Brethren a collective noun?
Yes, when referring to a group.
Is the Brethren term a metaphor?
Not inherently, but can be used metaphorically.
Is Brethren a noun or adjective?
Brethren is a noun.
Is Brethren a negative or positive word?
Neutral. Context determines the sentiment.
Is Brethren a countable noun?
Yes, if referring to specific groups or sects.
Is the word Brethren imperative?
No.
How do we divide Brethren into syllables?
Breth-ren.
What is a stressed syllable in Brethren?
The first syllable, "Breth."
Is Brethren a vowel or consonant?
"Brethren" is a word, not a vowel or consonant.
Is the word Brethren a Gerund?
No.
Is the word “Brethren” a Direct object or an Indirect object?
"Brethren" can function as a direct object in a sentence.
Which determiner is used with Brethren?
Determiners like "these" or "those" can be used based on context.
What is the first form of Brethren?
Brethren is a noun and doesn't have verb forms.
What is the third form of Brethren?
Not applicable; Brethren is a noun.
Which article is used with Brethren?
Both "a" and "the" can be used depending on the context.
What part of speech is Brethren?
Noun.
What is another term for Brethren?
Brothers, members.
What is the opposite of Brethren?
Outsiders or strangers.
What is the second form of Brethren?
Not applicable; Brethren is a noun.
How is Brethren used in a sentence?
"The brethren of the monastery observed a day of silence."
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
