WORD OF THE DAY
Brethren is a fancy plural form of "brother" and is most often used in religious contexts. A monk might refer to other monks in a monastery as his brethren.
Though it literally means "brothers," brethren frequently refers to members of the same religious community. You'll also see the word used more broadly today to refer to male members of fraternal organizations, or any group of people with close social ties. Thomas Paine used it to argue for democracy when he wrote, “The world is my country, all mankind are my brethren, and to do good is my religion.”
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Vocabulary lists containing brethren
Perhaps the ultimate call to arms, Patrick Henry's speech makes a case for the inevitability of the American Revolution. On March 23, 1775 Virginian patriots met at St. John’s Church in Richmond to discuss support for fellow colonists in Massachusetts where Parliament had sent four regiments of troops. Leading the call for Virginian’s to act was Patrick Henry. In proposing that Virginia prepare itself to fight he delivered an emotional speech ending with his immortal words, “Give me liberty or give me death!”
Vocabulary from "Beowulf" (translated by by Gummere).
The Monroe Doctrine was a speech given by President James Monroe in December 1823. A doctrine is a rule or principle, so the title means Monroe’s principle. This principle states that the United States promises to respect any colonies already held by European powers in the Americas but will not permit any new colonies to be taken. In return the United States promises not to seek any colonies in Europe. At the time the U.S. was a weak nation and the doctrine was largely ignored. Later, however, when the U.S. became a world power, it was used to prevent European nations from taking over countries in Latin America.
The year is 1773, and fourteen-year-old Johnny is an apprentice silversmith in Boston. When a terrible accident threatens his future, Johnny must quickly adapt — just as the American colonists join forces to break free from British rule.
Ruth Bader Ginsburg, the second woman to serve on the Supreme Court, died of pancreatic cancer on September 18 at the age of 87. Appointed by President Clinton in 1993, she became well-known as an advocate for women's equality; her dissent in the 2007 Ledbetter case is credited with inspiring the Fair Pay Act of 2009. Hailed as a brilliant legal scholar and an inspiration to millions, she earned the monicker "Notorious RBG." Just prior to her death, she said, "My most fervent wish is that I will not be replaced until a new president is installed." This list includes words from her writings, speeches, and Supreme Court decisions.
