Kara Sears
The term brother-in-law refers to the brother of one's spouse, the husband of one's sibling, or the husband of one's spouse's sibling. In other words, if your sibling has a husband, he is your brother-in-law. Similarly, the brother of your husband or wife is your brother-in-law, and the husband of your sibling is also your brother-in-law. This relationship is formed through marriage and is considered a close family tie.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | the brother of one's spouse; the husband of one's sibling; the husband of one's spouse's sibling |
| Synonyms | sibling-in-law, co-brother (in Indian English) |
| Gender | Male |
| Relation | Related by marriage, not blood |
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What You'll Learn
Brother-in-law: the husband of your sister
The brother-in-law is a male figure who is married to one's sister. When a person gets married, their spouse's siblings become their siblings-in-law. Likewise, the spouse of one's sibling becomes one's brother-in-law or sister-in-law. The term "in-law" refers to a family relationship that is based on marriage rather than shared ancestry. The children of one's siblings-in-law are called nieces and nephews, with the specification of "by marriage" to distinguish them from blood relatives.
In English, the term "brother-in-law" is used to refer to the brother of one's spouse or the husband of one's sibling. This term is also used to refer to the husband of one's spouse's sibling. For example, if one has a brother who is married, that brother's spouse is one's sister-in-law, and that spouse's brother is one's brother-in-law.
In Islamic law (Sharia) and Jewish law (halakha), sexual relations between siblings-in-law are prohibited as incestuous unless the spouse is no longer married. However, in Judaism, there was a custom called yibbum, where a man had a non-obligatory duty to marry his deceased brother's childless widow.
In Indian English, the husband of one's sibling's wife is called a co-brother, and the wife of one's sibling's husband is called a co-sister.
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Brother-in-law: the brother of your husband or wife
A brother-in-law is a term used to refer to the brother of your husband or wife. It can also refer to the husband of your sibling, i.e., the man married to your sister or brother. The term is a compound noun and is hyphenated.
The brother-in-law is usually related by marriage and is often expected to provide for his family and help with family matters. The term "in-law" comes from the idea that once a couple is legally married, they are viewed in the eyes of the law as being part of each other's families.
The term "brother-in-law" can also be used in a broader sense to refer to any male figure related by marriage, such as the brother of your spouse's sibling. This broader definition includes the husbands of one's spouse's siblings and the brothers of one's spouse's siblings.
In some cultures, the term "brother-in-law" may also be used to refer to a close male friend or relative who is not legally related by marriage but is considered to be like a brother. This usage is more colloquial and may vary depending on regional and cultural contexts.
The term "brother-in-law" is often used in a familial context, implying a close relationship and a sense of camaraderie and support within the extended family.
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Brother-in-law: a male figure in a civil partnership with your brother
A brother-in-law is a male figure who is married to your sibling or is the sibling of your spouse. The brother of your husband or wife, or the husband of your sibling, is your brother-in-law. This relationship is not by blood but by marriage.
In some cultures, the term "brother-in-law" has a broader meaning. For example, in Indian English, the term "co-brother" is used to refer to the husband of one's sibling-in-law. Similarly, the wife of one's sibling-in-law is called a "co-sister". These terms highlight the reciprocal relationship between a person's spouse and their sibling's spouse.
When it comes to same-sex relationships, the term "brother-in-law" can be applied when your brother enters into a civil partnership with a male figure. In this case, your brother's civil partner becomes your brother-in-law. This extends the traditional definition, which primarily focused on heterosexual relationships, to include same-sex partnerships.
It's worth noting that the term "brother-in-law" is a compound noun and is typically hyphenated. While it primarily refers to a familial relationship, the term also acknowledges the legal aspect brought about by marriage or civil partnership, as indicated by the suffix "in-law". This legal recognition is what brings these individuals into your family, creating a new bond and dynamic within the family structure.
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Brother-in-law: the husband of your sibling's spouse
The term "brother-in-law" refers to a person who is the husband of your sibling or the brother of your spouse. In other words, if your brother or sister gets married, their spouse becomes your brother-in-law. Similarly, if your spouse has siblings, they become your brothers or sisters-in-law.
The relationship is created through marriage and is considered a familial bond, even though it is not a blood relation. This means that your brother-in-law is not directly related to you by birth but becomes a part of your family through their marriage to your sibling or their sibling's marriage to you.
The term "brother-in-law" is often used to describe a close and trusted relationship. In many cultures, the expectation is that your brother-in-law will provide for his family and help with family matters. They are often looked to for support and guidance, especially within the family unit.
It is worth noting that the term "brother-in-law" can also be used in a broader sense to refer to any male relative by marriage, such as the husband of your spouse's sibling or even a cousin's husband in some cases. This broader usage of the term extends the definition to include more distant relatives connected by marriage.
In summary, a brother-in-law is the husband of your sibling or the brother of your spouse. This relationship is formed through marriage and is considered a significant and trusted bond within families. The term can also be used more broadly to refer to any male in-law related by marriage.
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Brother-in-law: a family member related by marriage
A brother-in-law is a family member related to an individual by marriage. The term can refer to the brother of one's spouse, the husband of one's sibling, or the husband of one's spouse's sibling. In other words, if an individual's sibling is married, their spouse is the brother-in-law, and if an individual is married, their spouse's brother is also their brother-in-law.
The use of the term "in-law" signifies that the relationship is not by blood but by marriage. This type of kinship is called affinity, and it applies to all in-law relationships. The children of one's siblings-in-law are referred to as nieces and nephews, with the specification of "by marriage" if needed.
In Indian English, the term "co-sibling" may be used, specifically "co-sister" for the wife of one's sibling-in-law, and "co-brother" for the husband of one's sibling-in-law. In the case where one pair of siblings is married to another pair of siblings, the siblings-in-law are doubly related, both through their spouse and their sibling.
In Islamic law (Sharia) and Jewish law (halakha), sexual relations between siblings-in-law are prohibited as incestuous, unless the spouse is no longer married. However, in Judaism, there was a custom of yibbum, where a man had the non-obligatory duty to marry his deceased brother's childless widow.
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Frequently asked questions
Your brother-in-law is the brother of your spouse or the husband of your sibling.
Yes, your sibling's husband or your spouse's brother can be referred to as your brother-in-law.
Yes, your spouse's brother is your brother-in-law.
Yes, your spouse's sister's husband is your brother-in-law.
