WebMar 2, 2016 · This -en ending was so popular in Middle English that it was even added to existing irregular plurals, so that brethre (plural of “brother”) became brethren and childer (plural of “child”) became children. WebThe only other common plural in -en that survives in the modern language is brethren. This came from an older spelling of brother as brether, and lost the middle e just as children did. For a while both brothers and brethren meant the same thing, but the latter gradually shifted sense to refer to a spiritual relationship. At one time it was ...
World Wide Words: Plurals in ‘-en’
WebFeb 4, 2024 · A double plural is the plural form of a noun with an additional plural ending (usually -s) attached; for example, candelabras (singular, candelabrum; plural, candelabra) or sixpences (singular, penny; plural, pence ). In addition, the term double plural is occasionally used to refer to a noun with two plurals that differ in meaning, such as ... WebThis is the difference between 'mann' and 'menn', from earlier *mann- pl. *manniz. If the plural were due to ablaut, the singular would be o-grade, and the plural would be e-grade, and this would have given Old English '**minn', not 'menn', because of the nasal followed by another consonant. But neither Germanic nor PIE used ablaut this way. haut valette
Brethren Definition & Meaning Dictionary.com
WebFeb 14, 2024 · brethren plural of brother kinsmen; Usage notes . The plural brethren is generally used for members of an organization, especially a religious body, whereas the plural brothers is used in the familial sense as well as for larger groups. Derived … WebThe plural of brother as in "male sibling" is always brothers. He had six brothers and three sisters, so family gatherings tended to be large affairs. The origin of brethren is an old type of plural for brother, but it is no longer used in that sense. WebThe plural "brethren" is generally used for members of an organization, especially a religious body, whereas the plural "brothers" is used in the familial sense as well as for larger groups. See also * Brethren * brother * sistren and nun * friar and frater or father * brotherhood, sisterhood * fraternity * siblings ... haut-valaisan