
The term brother-in-law is used to refer to the husband of one's sister or the brother of one's spouse. While the term in-law typically implies a blood relation, it actually refers to a family relationship based on marriage rather than shared ancestry. In other words, a brother-in-law is related by a type of kinship called affinity, which is not a direct blood relation. Therefore, you and your brother-in-law are not blood relations.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Relationship | Brother-in-law |
| Description | The brother of one's spouse or the spouse of one's sibling |
| Type of kinship | Affinity |
| Blood relation | No |
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What You'll Learn

A brother-in-law is the sibling of one's spouse
A brother-in-law is the brother of one's spouse, or the husband of one's sibling. The reciprocal relationship is also true: a brother-in-law is also the spouse of one's sibling's spouse. In Indian English, this can be referred to as a co-sibling, specifically a co-brother for the husband of one's sibling-in-law.
The children of one's siblings-in-law are called nieces and nephews, and if necessary, it can be specified whether they are "by marriage", "by blood", or "by adoption". If one pair of siblings is married to another pair of siblings, the siblings-in-law are related both through their spouse and through their sibling, while the children of the two couples are double cousins.
The term "in-law" can be confusing, as it is used for relationships that are not recognised by law. However, it is important to note that siblings-in-law are related by a type of kinship called affinity, which is similar to spousal and sibling relationships. This type of kinship is not a blood relation.
Some people may find it awkward to refer to their brother-in-law as "my wife's brother-in-law" or "my sister-in-law's husband". For example, if Al marries Betty, and Betty has a sister Bonnie who marries Calvin, then Al might refer to Calvin as his brother-in-law, even though they are not related by blood.
In some cultures, such as Islamic law (Sharia) and Jewish law (halakha), sexual relations between siblings-in-law are prohibited as incestuous, unless the spouse is no longer married.
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A brother-in-law is the spouse of one's sibling
The term "brother-in-law" is used to refer to the male spouse of one's sibling or the brother of one's spouse. Similarly, a "sister-in-law" is the female spouse of one's sibling or the sister of one's spouse. These relationships are not considered blood relations, but rather a type of kinship called affinity, which is common among all in-law relationships.
In simpler terms, if your brother marries someone, that person becomes your sister-in-law, and vice versa. Similarly, if you get married, your spouse's brother becomes your brother-in-law, and their sister becomes your sister-in-law.
It is important to note that the children of your siblings-in-law are considered your nieces and nephews, with the specification of "by marriage" to differentiate them from nieces and nephews by blood or adoption. This distinction is also made when referring to cousins.
In some cultures, there are variations in the terminology used to describe these relationships. For example, in Indian English, the wife of one's sibling-in-law is referred to as a "co-sister," while the husband of one's sibling-in-law is called a "co-brother."
While the terms "brother-in-law" and "sister-in-law" are commonly used, they can sometimes lead to confusion, especially in more complex family structures. In such cases, it may be more accurate to refer to individuals by their specific relationship, such as my spouse's brother or my sister's husband, rather than using the broader terms of "brother-in-law" and "sister-in-law."
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A brother-in-law is not a blood relation
A brother-in-law is a term used to describe the relationship between two people who are not biologically related but are connected through marriage. The term is used to refer to the brother of one's spouse, or the spouse of one's sibling. In this context, the relationship between a person and their brother-in-law is not based on shared ancestry or blood relation but rather on affinity or marriage ties.
While the term "brother-in-law" may imply a familial connection, it is important to understand that this relationship is legally and biologically distinct from that of biological siblings. The "in-law" aspect of the term highlights that the relationship is established through marriage rather than blood. This distinction is particularly evident when considering the relationship between an individual and their sibling's spouse, where the connection is solely through the marriage to their sibling.
In some cultures and languages, there are specific terms to describe this type of relationship, such as "co-sibling" in Indian English, which further emphasizes the absence of a blood relation. The children of one's siblings-in-law, for example, are referred to as nieces and nephews, with specifications such as "by marriage" to differentiate them from blood relations. This highlights the recognition of the unique nature of in-law relationships.
It is worth noting that the term "brother-in-law" can have varying interpretations and nuances in different cultural and linguistic contexts. While the general understanding of the term conveys a relationship through marriage, there may be subtle differences in how it is applied across diverse societies.
In conclusion, while the term "brother-in-law" is commonly used to describe a specific type of relationship, it does not signify a blood relation. The relationship is constructed through marriage ties and is distinct from biological familial connections. The use of the term "in-law" serves to emphasize the legal and social nature of the relationship rather than a biological one.
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A brother-in-law's father is not a blood relation
A brother-in-law is the spouse of one's sibling or the sibling of one's spouse. This means that the brother-in-law is not a blood relation. Similarly, a sister-in-law is the spouse of one's sibling or the sibling of one's spouse. These relationships are referred to as affinity, a type of kinship.
The children of one's siblings are called nieces and nephews, and the children of one's siblings-in-law are also called nieces and nephews, with the specification of "by marriage" to differentiate them from blood relations.
In-law relationships are formed through marriage, and these are not blood relations. The in-law terminology can be confusing, especially when it comes to the spouses of siblings-in-law. While some people may use the terms "brother-in-law" and "sister-in-law" for these relationships, it is important to note that they are not blood relations and that there is no specific term for these relationships in English.
Therefore, a brother-in-law's father is not a blood relation. He is the father of your brother-in-law, and that is how he would typically be referred to. Some people may choose to use terms like "uncle" or "extended family" for convenience or comfort, but there is no standard terminology for this relationship in English.
In summary, a brother-in-law's father is not a blood relation, and the relationship can be described as the father of one's brother-in-law or sister-in-law, with no specific term for this connection.
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A brother-in-law's brother is not a blood relation
A brother-in-law is the spouse of one's sibling or the sibling of one's spouse. In the latter case, a male sibling-in-law is referred to as a brother-in-law. This relationship is not a blood relation but a kinship called affinity, like all in-law relationships. In Indian English, the spouse of one's sibling-in-law is referred to as a co-sibling.
In-law relationship terms are always written with hyphens, and the plural is formed on the part before the "in-law". For example, "brothers-in-law" and not "brother-in-laws". The only exception is the general term "in-laws", which is always plural. My father-in-law is the father of my spouse, and my mother-in-law is the mother of my spouse. If my parents get divorced and remarry, their new spouses are my stepparents, not my mother-in-law and father-in-law.
The husband of my daughter is my son-in-law, and the wife of my son is my daughter-in-law. If my spouse has children from a previous marriage, those are my stepchildren, not sons-in-law or daughters-in-law. I am their stepfather or stepmother, not their father-in-law or mother-in-law. In these days of more fluid relationships, it is becoming more common to say "daughter-in-law" of the woman my son or daughter has lived with for a long time.
Now, what about the brother of your brother-in-law? Technically, there's no rule about your brother-in-law's brother, but yes, most people would consider him to be your brother-in-law. However, some people would disagree and say that your brother-in-law's brother is your sister-in-law's brother and, therefore, of no relation to you. In this case, he would be your co-brother-in-law: a male relative of one's generation, separated by two degrees of marriage: the brother of the spouse of one's sibling.
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Frequently asked questions
No, a brother-in-law is the sibling of one's spouse or the spouse of one's sibling. This is a relationship based on marriage rather than shared ancestry.
Yes, you are related by a type of kinship called affinity. However, this is not a blood relation.
No, your brother-in-law's brother is not your brother-in-law. They are not related to you in any way.
No, your brother-in-law's father is not your father-in-law. They are not related to you in any way.










































