Big brother vs older brother

Both phrases are correct, but they have different meanings and contexts. 'Big brother' is often used to refer to a protective or authoritarian figure, while 'older brother' simply indicates the age difference between siblings. They are not directly comparable as they serve different purposes.

Last updated: April 08, 2024 • 348 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to refer to a protective or authoritarian figure, especially in the context of surveillance or control.

"Big brother "

It is used to describe a person, organization, or government that monitors or controls others, often in a paternalistic or authoritarian manner.

Examples:

In the novel '1984' by George Orwell, Big Brother is the symbolic figure of the oppressive regime.
The company acts like a big brother, constantly monitoring its employees' activities.
He always played the role of a big brother, looking out for his younger siblings.

Show examples from the web [+]

Big brother is also concerned with sleeping.
Big brother to the rescue again.
Big brother is also concerned with sleeping.
Big brother, little sister. Affirmative.
Big brother, what about me?
Big brother at his finest, ladies and gentlemen.
Big brother, no sign of anything
Big brother, you brought him here
Big brother, we are meeting with the foreigners tomorrow.
Big brother is in the boat yard.
Big brother is not watching you.
Big brother just gave you the thumbs-up.
Big brother Guan, bring this with you on the trip
Big brother, am I dying with dignity?
Big brother to the rescue once again!
Big brother I spared your life today you should repay me
Big brother, when is Mother coming home?
Big brother, why are there no windows?
Big brother, what's wrong with you?
Big brother's not watching you (at least not over this), and we can all go back to complaining about when we'll get Android 2.2.

Alternatives:

authority figure
paternalistic figure
surveillance entity

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to simply indicate the age difference between siblings, where one brother is older than the other.

"older brother"

It is used to describe the sibling who was born first in a family, in relation to a younger brother.

Examples:

My older brother is three years older than me.
She always looked up to her older brother for guidance.
He shares a close bond with his older brother.

Show examples from the web [+]

Charles's older brother witnessed a shooting.
I thought petey was your older brother.
William's older brother was driving the car.
It's like helping my older brother.
Show her, older brother, your face.
Now, that is your wonderful, handsome older brother.
Your older brother... the senator.
Mrs Proud said that your older brother...
My older brother took them to school.
Charity's older brother is in college.
I'm his older brother, Gator.
The one older brother had to go and screw it up.
Please have mercy on your older brother!
His older brother, oscar deleon, was.
I wish I would have had an older brother.
Now, that is your wonderful, handsome older brother.
I heard about your older brother.
My older brother died when I was 15.
Joe doesn't have an older brother.
Philippe was the my older brother.

Alternatives:

elder brother
firstborn brother
senior sibling

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Big brother vs older brother

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