1. Sister (noun): A female sibling.
2. Sister (noun): A woman or girl in relation to other children of her parents.
3. Sister (noun): A woman united to another by a shared interest, situation, or aim.
4. Sister (noun): A member of a religious order, especially a nun.
The term "sister" carries multiple meanings, primarily referring to a female sibling but also extending to describe close bonds, shared goals, or even roles in religious communities. It holds deep emotional and cultural significance in both familial and societal contexts. Continue reading to explore its meanings, pronunciation, usage, and more.
The word "sister" has several definitions, each capturing a distinct aspect of its meaning.
The most common meaning of "sister" is a female sibling who shares one or both parents with another person.
"Sister" can also describe a woman connected to another through shared experiences, interests, or goals.
In religious contexts, "sister" refers to a nun or a member of a female religious order.
Figuratively, "sister" can represent solidarity or a deep bond between women outside of familial relationships.
"Sister" functions primarily as a noun, referring to a female sibling or a woman in a specific role or bond. Less commonly, it can be used adjectivally, as in "sister city" or "sister organization."
The word "sister" is pronounced as "SIS-ter." It has two syllables, with the emphasis placed on the first syllable. The first part, "sis," sounds like the word "sis" in "sisterhood," with a clear 's' sound at the beginning. The second syllable, "ter," rhymes with the word "her," but the 'r' is softer and less pronounced. When saying "sister," make sure to emphasize the "SIS" sound while keeping the "ter" lighter but still audible.
Phonetic Pronunciation: /ˈsɪs.tər/
There are several synonyms for "sister," depending on context.
Antonyms of "sister" generally focus on opposites in familial or relational contexts.
Here are ten examples showcasing different meanings of sister in various contexts:
The word "sister" is frequently used in everyday conversations, literature, and media. Its usage is particularly common in familial, religious, and metaphorical contexts. In recent years, cultural and social movements have popularized the figurative use of "sister" to symbolize solidarity among women.
Variants of sister include words that adapt the root meaning while serving slightly different functions or contexts.
These related terms expand on the concept of "sister."
The word "sister" originates from the Old English sweostor and the Proto-Germanic swester, which are derived from the Proto-Indo-European root swésor, meaning "sister." It has cognates in many languages, including Old Norse systir, Latin soror, and Sanskrit svasar. Early usage primarily described a female sibling but also extended to members of religious communities during the Middle Ages. By the 19th and 20th centuries, it began to be widely used to signify solidarity in feminist and social movements.
Derivatives and compound words of sister incorporate the root word while forming distinct terms with specific meanings.
Here are common errors when spelling "sister."
Idioms capturing similar meanings:
Here are answers to ten common questions about the word "sister," covering its meanings, uses, and significance.
1. What is the primary meaning of "sister"?
The primary meaning of "sister" refers to a female sibling who shares one or both parents with another person.
2. Can "sister" be used metaphorically?
Yes, "sister" can symbolize unity, solidarity, or a close bond between women who may not be biologically related.
3. What does "sisterhood" mean?
"Sisterhood" refers to the bond or sense of solidarity shared among women, often united by a common cause or experience.
4. What is a "sister city"?
A "sister city" is a partnership between two cities in different regions or countries to promote cultural and economic exchange.
5. Is "sister" used in religious contexts?
Yes, in religious contexts, "sister" refers to a nun or a female member of a religious order.
6. What is a "sister-in-law"?
A "sister-in-law" is the sister of one’s spouse or the wife of one’s brother.
7. What does the phrase "like a sister" mean?
The phrase "like a sister" describes a close emotional bond between two people, similar to that of siblings.
8. Can "sister" be used in business contexts?
Yes, in business, "sister" can describe related entities, such as a "sister company" or organization.
9. What is the origin of the word "sister"?
The word "sister" comes from the Old English sweostor and Proto-Indo-European swesor, which also gave rise to similar words in other languages.
10. Is "sister" commonly used in everyday language?
Yes, "sister" is a widely used word in both casual and formal conversations, as well as in cultural and religious contexts.
The word "sister" primarily refers to a female sibling but carries deeper meanings in cultural, emotional, and religious contexts. It is a word rich with emotional significance, symbolizing both familial bonds and unity in shared goals. Embrace and appreciate the diverse meanings of "sister" in your conversations.
