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Brotherly vs Fraternal - What's the difference?

brotherly | fraternal | Synonyms |

Fraternal is a synonym of brotherly.



As adjectives the difference between brotherly and fraternal

is that brotherly is of or characteristic of brothers while fraternal is of brothers (fraternal twins).

As an adverb brotherly

is in the manner of a brother, as a brother, as brothers.

brotherly

English

Adjective

(-)
  • Of or characteristic of brothers.
  • brotherly love

    Adverb

    (head)
  • In the manner of a brother, as a brother, as brothers.
  • * 1907 , Jack London, The Iron Heel :
  • "What honest man, who is not insane, would take lost women and thieves into his house to dwell with him sisterly and brotherly ?"

    Anagrams

    * brothelry

    fraternal

    English

    Adjective

    (en adjective)
  • Of brothers (fraternal twins ).
  • Related through a brother (fraternal nephew ).
  • In need of a brother or sister or friend.
  • Like brothers (fraternal cousins ).
  • Brotherly, befitting or of a brother or brothers.
  • *
  • a delighted shout from the children swung him toward the door again. His sister, Mrs. Gerard, stood there in carriage gown and sables, radiant with surprise. ¶ "Phil!  You!   Exactly like you, Philip, to come strolling in from the antipodes—dear fellow!" recovering from the fraternal embrace and holding both lapels of his coat in her gloved hands.
  • Friendly or brotherly (e.g. fraternal relations between socialist parties in different countries).
  • Being or of a society of men linked in brotherly union ( ).
  • Platonic (as fraternal love - brotherly love).
  • Synonyms

    * brotherly

    Antonyms

    * sororal * paternal, maternal