fraternal relationship

USAGE SUMMARY

"fraternal relationship" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to refer to a close relationship between two people, usually two brothers, that is marked by a shared loyalty and a sense of camaraderie. For example: "The two brothers have a strong fraternal relationship, always looking out for each other."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

(The two retain a fraternal relationship.

The New Yorker

The Brownlees are not alone in having a fraternal relationship with one of their competitors.

The Guardian - Opinion

It is also a love story, a family melodrama and the chronicle of a close and complicated fraternal relationship.

The New York Times

It is also the story of an embattled fraternal relationship (both Kazantsakis brothers resemble Ringo Starr) whose bond survives Illias's betrayals.

The New York Times

If not yet a magical pairing, the brothers are offering an easygoing, informed camaraderie that is fused by a long fraternal relationship and different tennis perspectives.

The New York Times - Sports

Perhaps because of the forced intimacy of the tiny outpost and the shared experience of coming under constant attack, the marines and Afghans stationed there enjoyed an uncommonly functional, even fraternal, relationship.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

In the trailer, which you can watch here, much is made of the once-fraternal relationship between Moses and Ramses, who "grew up together, close as brothers".

Los Angeles Times

Hours later, other partners in the campaign of strikes weighed in, stressing fraternal Arab relationships but avoiding any reference to a Washington-led campaign.

Los Angeles Times

Franz Xaver Winterhalter and his brother Hermann, portrayers of the crowned heads of Europe, seal their successful relationship with fraternal smiles.

The Guardian - Arts

Nightclubs have long had an off-on relationship with the fraternal bond.

Vice

then guided students through an introductory dialogue using Socratic questioning and a set of PowerPoint slides (Supplemental Material 4) in which students' pre-existing vocabulary was used in new situations to discuss families, genetic relationships (identical twins, fraternal twins, siblings, half-siblings), and when/how variation in phenotype arises.

CBE Life Sciences Education

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about a relationship between non-family members that resembles a brotherly bond, use "fraternal relationship" to emphasize the deep connection and loyalty.

Common error

While both terms describe positive connections, "fraternal" implies a deeper, more committed bond than simply being "friendly". Avoid using "fraternal relationship" to describe casual acquaintances.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fraternal relationship" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. As shown by Ludwig, it denotes a specific kind of interpersonal connection characterized by loyalty and camaraderie.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Science

7%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Academic

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "fraternal relationship" effectively conveys a deep and supportive bond, often likened to that between brothers. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and prevalence across various contexts, particularly within news and media. While interchangeable with terms like "brotherly connection" or "sibling camaraderie" in certain contexts, "fraternal relationship" specifically highlights the elements of loyalty and mutual support. Remember to use it to describe committed bonds and to avoid interchanging it with the term “friendly”.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

brotherly connection

This alternative emphasizes the bond between brothers specifically.

close brotherhood

This highlights the tight-knit nature of a brotherly group.

sibling camaraderie

This focuses on the friendly and supportive atmosphere between siblings.

amicable brotherhood

This emphasizes the friendliness and goodwill within a group of brothers.

cordial fraternal ties

This suggests a warm and respectful connection between individuals.

brother-like bond

This alternative makes a direct comparison to the connection shared by brothers.

close comradeship

This emphasizes the shared loyalty and mutual support among companions.

shared kinship

This highlights the common ancestry or origin that creates a sense of connection.

united fellowship

This suggests a sense of unity and shared purpose within a group.

harmonious alliance

This emphasizes the agreement and cooperation between individuals or groups.

FAQs

How to use "fraternal relationship" in a sentence?

You can use "fraternal relationship" to describe a close and supportive bond between individuals, often brothers, characterized by loyalty and camaraderie. For example, "Their "fraternal relationship" helped them overcome many challenges together".

What can I say instead of "fraternal relationship"?

You can use alternatives like "brotherly connection", "close brotherhood", or "sibling camaraderie" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "fraternal relationship" or "maternal relationship" when describing siblings?

"Fraternal relationship" describes the bond between brothers or siblings, while "maternal relationship" refers to the connection between a mother and her child. They are not interchangeable when describing siblings.

What's the difference between "fraternal relationship" and "friendly relationship"?

A "friendly relationship" implies a pleasant and amiable connection, while a ""fraternal relationship"" suggests a deeper, more committed bond akin to that between brothers, characterized by loyalty and mutual support.