sister
sister
Pronunciation
The IPA phonetic spelling for "sister" is /ˈsɪstər/.
Here's a breakdown of the sounds by syllable:
Sis-: /sɪs/
/s/: voiceless alveolar fricative (as in "snake")
/ɪ/: near-front near-unrounded vowel (as in "kit")
/s/: voiceless alveolar fricative (as in "snake")
-ter: /tər/ (or /tɜːr/ in some non-rhotic accents)
/t/: voiceless alveolar stop (as in "top")
/ər/: r-colored vowel (as in "bird" or the unstressed "er" in "butter")
Word Form Variations
Singular Noun: sister
Plural Noun: sisters
Possessive Singular Noun: sister's
Possessive Plural Noun: sisters'
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Noun
Definition 1: A female who shares one or both parents with another person.
Synonyms: sibling (female), kin (female), blood relation (female)
Antonyms: brother, stranger, non-relative
Definition 2: A woman connected to another by a shared bond, experience, or membership in a community or organization, often implying solidarity or camaraderie.
Synonyms: comrade, confidante, associate, fellow woman
Antonyms: rival, opponent, outsider
Definition 3: A female member of a religious order, typically one bound by vows; a nun.
Synonyms: nun, religieuse, conventual
Antonyms: layman, secular
Definition 4: (Informal) A term of address for a woman, often used affectionately or to express familiarity.
Synonyms: dear, honey, miss (informal, depending on context)
Antonyms: sir, mister
Adjective
Definition 1: Being closely related in type, form, or origin; akin.
Example: "The sister cities share cultural exchange programs."
Synonyms: related, analogous, parallel, similar
Antonyms: unrelated, disparate, dissimilar, unconnected
Examples of Use
Books:
"It was a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife. However little known the feelings or views of such a man may be on his first entering a neighbourhood, this truth is so well fixed in the minds of the surrounding families, that he is considered the rightful property of some one or other of their daughters." (Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice, January 1813) - This example uses "daughters" but the concept of sisters within a family structure is central to the novel's themes.
"The story of four sisters, each with her own distinct personality, navigating love, loss, and the challenges of growing up during the Civil War." (Louisa May Alcott, Little Women, September 1868)
Newspapers:
"Local residents rallied yesterday to support their sister city in Ukraine, sending humanitarian aid and expressing solidarity." (Nairobi News)
"During her acceptance speech, the actress thanked her family, especially her sister, for their unwavering support throughout her career." (The Standard)
Online Publications:
"How to Maintain a Strong Bond with Your Sister as You Age" (Psychology Today, July 2023)
"Activists call for stronger protections for our unhoused sisters and brothers in the community." (Common Dreams)
Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms:
Film: In the movie Frozen, the central theme revolves around the powerful bond between two royal sisters, Elsa and Anna. (Disney, November 2013)
Television Series: "My Sister Sam," a popular 1980s sitcom, focused on the relationship between a photographer and her younger sister who moves in with her. (CBS, October 1986)
Music: The song "Sister Christian" by Night Ranger, while often misinterpreted, speaks about a brother's concern for his younger sister. (Night Ranger, March 1984)
Video Games: In the game BioShock Infinite, the character Elizabeth often refers to others as "brother" or "sister" in a familial or comradely sense within the dystopian world of Columbia. (2K Games, March 2013)
General Public Discourse:
"My sister and I are planning a trip to the coast next month." (Heard in casual conversation)
"The nurses often refer to each other as 'sister' on the ward, highlighting their close working relationship." (Observed in a hospital setting)
"During the protest, many chanted, 'Solidarity, sisters!'" (Heard at a public demonstration)
10 Quotes Using Sister
"A sister is a gift to the heart, a friend to the spirit, a golden thread to the meaning of life." (Isadora James)
"Help your sister's boat over, and your own will reach the shore." (Hindu Proverb)
"God sent us sisters so we would have someone to tell on." (Erma Bombeck)
"Is solace anywhere more comforting than that in the arms of a sister?" (Alice Walker, The Color Purple)
"A sister is both your mirror—and your opposite." (Elizabeth Fishel)
"Children of the same family, the same blood, with the same first lessons, and the same habits, have not only the same sister and brotherly attachment, but the same gratitude and tenderness for the parents who bestowed it." (Jane Austen, Mansfield Park)
"I never had a sister but I was very close to my friends who were like sisters to me." (Oprah Winfrey)
"To have a loving relationship with a sister is to have a friend for life." (Unknown)
"What's the good of news if you haven't a sister to share it with?" (James M. Barrie, Peter Pan)
"Bless you, my sister, for all you are and all you will be." (Traditional Blessing)
Etymology
The word "sister" has a long and interesting history, tracing its roots back thousands of years.
It comes from the Old English word "sweostor." If you look at that word closely, you might see a connection to the word "swear" or "sweat." That's because it's believed to have originated from a much older Indo-European root, "*swesor," which essentially meant "one's own woman" or "belonging to oneself." This suggests an early emphasis on the close, personal relationship a sister holds.
This ancient root also gave rise to similar words for "sister" in many other languages, like the Latin "soror" (from which we get words like "sorority"), the Sanskrit "svasar," and the German "Schwester."
The first known uses of "sweostor" in Old English, dating back to before the 12th century, already carried the primary meaning we use today: a female who has the same parents as another person. Over time, as English evolved, "sweostor" became "sister."
The extended meanings of "sister" – referring to a nun, a fellow woman, or a related entity – developed later, building on that core idea of a close female bond or connection.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Sister
Sister act: A performance or activity by two sisters, or by two women who work together closely, often implying a coordinated effort.
Big sister/Little sister: Refers to an older or younger sister, respectively, often used in the context of mentoring or a close familial bond.
Sister city: A pair of cities in different countries or regions that are twinned for the purpose of fostering cultural and commercial ties.
Sister ship: A ship of the same design or class as another.
Soul sister: A term of endearment or respect for a Black woman, often implying a deep connection and shared experience.
Sister in crime: (Often humorous) A close female friend or accomplice with whom one shares mischievous or rule-bending activities.
Sister in arms: A female comrade, often used in military, political, or activist contexts, implying shared struggle and solidarity.
Brother and sister act: A joint performance or undertaking by a brother and sister, or by a man and woman working closely together.
My sister, my friend: A common phrase emphasizing the dual relationship of family and friendship between sisters.
Sisterhood is powerful: A feminist slogan emphasizing the collective strength and solidarity among women.
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of sister from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
