Brotherinlaw

A brother-in-law is a male relative created through marriage. In common usage, the term covers two situations: (a) the brother of one's spouse, or (b) the husband of one's sister. A brother-in-law is a member of the extended family, but not a blood relative. The exact relationship depends on which of these two paths applies.

Etymology and terminology: 'In-law' denotes a kinship established by marriage rather than by blood. The compound 'brother-in-law' is the standard form in English; hyphenation is common, though you may see 'brother in law' or even 'brotherinlaw' in informal writing. The male counterpart to 'sister-in-law' is likewise 'brother-in-law'.

Cultural and social aspects: Attitudes toward brothers-in-law vary widely. In many families, brothers-in-law participate in family activities and celebrations; in others the relationship may be more distant. Some contexts use the term loosely to refer to a male partner of a relative, even if the couple is not legally married, though this usage is informal and not universally accepted.

Legal and practical notes: Being a brother-in-law does not by itself create a legal obligation or right, aside from what applies to the larger marriage or family structure in a given jurisdiction. Opportunities for support, inheritance, or caregiving depend on local law and personal circumstances rather than on the label alone. See also: sister-in-law, son-in-law, in-law terms.