English vocabulary · C1
Fraternal
/frəˈtɝːnəl/ · adj.
Fraternal describes care and trust shared by brothers. It can also describe men joined like family.
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Example sentences
- The twins kept a strong fraternal bond.
- The team shared fraternal trust after the storm.
Word origin and roots
from Latin
- frater — brother (from Latin)
Synonyms and nuances
- BROTHERLY — showing a brother's care (Like Caring Brothers)
- FRIENDLY — acting like a friend (Warm And Kind)
- LOYAL — always gives support (Stays By Your Side)
Words with the same root
frater — brother
- fraternity — a group joined like brothers
- fraternize — be friendly with others
- friar — a religious brother
Lesson notes
Fraternal describes care and trust shared by brothers. It can also describe men joined like family.
Related: brotherly, friendly, loyal. Use fraternal when men care like brothers.
The twins kept a strong fraternal bond. The team shared fraternal trust after the storm.
From Latin. Frater means brother. Brothers stand together with care and trust in one strong fraternal bond.