How to pronounce brethren
Say it like BRETH-run. Brethren has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (BRETH).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce brethren. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- BRETH
- run
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Brethren pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- BRETHSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- runKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of brethren
American and British speakers say brethren in essentially the same way: /ˈbrɛðrən/ in the US and /ˈbrɛðrɪn/ in the UK.
British respelling: BRETH-rin.
What does brethren mean?
- (plural) the lay members of a male religious order
Where does brethren come from?
From Early Modern English brethren, plural of brother, from Middle English brethren, from Middle English brethere, brether + -en (plural ending).
Questions about saying brethren
How do you pronounce brethren?
Say BRETH-run. The American pronunciation is /ˈbrɛðrən/. In British English it is /ˈbrɛðrɪn/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in brethren?
Brethren has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (BRETH). Broken into parts: BRETH · run.
Do Americans and Brits say brethren the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈbrɛðrən/ and the British form is /ˈbrɛðrɪn/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.