Pronunciation: [hˈɑːf bɹˈʌðə] (IPA) 
The spelling of the word "half brother" is phonetically transcribed as hæf ˈbrʌðər. The "hæf" sound represents the "h" sound followed by the "æ" vowel sound, which is pronounced like the "a" in "cat." The "ˈbrʌðər" sound includes the "b" sound, followed by the "r" sound and the short "ʌ" vowel sound in the middle, and ends with the "ər" sound. The word "half brother" refers to a male sibling who shares one parent in common.
A half brother, as defined by the dictionary, refers to a sibling who shares only one biological parent with another individual. Specifically, it pertains to a male sibling who is related to a person either through their father or mother but not both. This term is commonly used to describe the brotherly relationship between two individuals who have the same father but different mothers or vice versa.
The nature of a half brother connection arises due to the fact that the sibling shares one genetic parent but not both. This distinct shared parentage typically results in a different set of genetic material and varying family backgrounds, although there may be some overlap in certain genetic traits. Consequently, a half brother may embody similar physical or personality characteristics as the individual, but they may also exhibit differences influenced by their unique parental lineage.
Half brothers can hold a significant place within a person's family structure and dynamic, contributing to the formation of blended families. They may grow up together under the same roof, fostering a deep bond despite their differing parentage. The relationship between half brothers can vary, ranging from close camaraderie to more distant connections based on factors such as age difference, geographical separation, or the quality of their parental relationships.
In summary, a half brother refers to a male sibling who shares one biological parent with another person, either through their father or mother but not both.
The word "half brother" originated from the Middle English phrase "half brother" which dates back to the 14th century. The term "half" in this context means "partly or partially", indicating that the person is a sibling sharing only one biological parent with another sibling. The word "brother" comes from the Old English word "broþor" meaning "a male sibling or kinsman". So, the etymology of "half brother" refers to a person who shares one parent in common but not both.
