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Where does the word "fraternal" come from? It comes from Latin frater, and was adopted directly into English (1400s).
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Where does the word "fraternal" come from? It comes from Latin frater, and was adopted directly into English (1400s).
Fraternal’s story begins in Latin: frater meant “a brother.” The root of 'friar' and 'fraternity'. It reached English by 1400s as fraternal. Settled as the English word for relating to brothers or brotherhood. Today, fraternal means relating to brothers, or characterized by friendship and mutual support.
- Stage 1 · Latin · ancient frater "a brother", the root of 'friar' and 'fraternity'.
- Stage 2 · English · 1400s fraternal "relating to brothers, or brotherly", settled as the English word for relating to brothers or brotherhood.