The term “brother-in-law” is commonly used in many cultures to refer to the husband of one’s sibling or the brother of one’s spouse. It is a familial relationship that is often considered to be close and important. In this article, we will explore the meaning and definition of brother-in-law, its origin, and its various associations.
Definitions
According to the Oxford English Dictionary, a brother-in-law is “the brother of one’s spouse or the husband of one’s sister.” This definition is consistent with the common usage of the term in many cultures.
Origin
The term “brother-in-law” has its origins in the Old English language. The word “brother” comes from the Old English word “broþor,” which means “a male sibling.” The word “law” comes from the Old English word “hlāw,” which means “a mound or hill.” The term “brother-in-law” originally referred to the husband of one’s sister, and it was later expanded to include the brother of one’s spouse.
Meaning in different dictionaries
In addition to the Oxford English Dictionary, other dictionaries also define brother-in-law as the husband of one’s sister or the brother of one’s spouse. For example, Merriam-Webster defines brother-in-law as “the brother of one’s spouse or the husband of one’s sibling.” The Cambridge Dictionary defines it as “the husband of your sister or brother, or the brother of your husband or wife.”
Associations
Brother-in-law is a term that is associated with family relationships. It is often used to refer to a person who is married to one’s sibling or who is the sibling of one’s spouse. As such, it is a term that is often associated with close family ties and relationships.
Synonyms
There are several synonyms for brother-in-law, including:
- In-law.
- Spouse’s brother.
- Sibling’s spouse.
- Brother by marriage.
Antonyms
There are no direct antonyms for brother-in-law, as it is a specific term that refers to a particular type of relationship. However, one could use the terms “stranger” or “acquaintance” to refer to someone who is not a brother-in-law.
The same root words
The term “brother-in-law” has two root words: “brother” and “law.” These words have several related words that are derived from the same roots, including:
- Brotherhood.
- Brotherhoodly.
- Lawful.
- Lawlessness.
Example Sentences
Here are some example sentences that use the term “brother-in-law”:
- My brother-in-law is coming to visit us next week.
- I get along well with my sister’s husband, my brother-in-law.
- My husband’s brother is my brother-in-law.
- I consider my brother-in-law to be a part of my family.
- It’s always nice to spend time with my brother-in-law and his family.