Word
patriarchal
Phoneticspa·tri·ar·chal
US/ˌpeɪtɹiˈɑɹkəɫ/
UK/pˈætɹɪˌɑːkəl/
Definition
adj. describing a society, family, or system where men hold most of the power and make the main decisions. It often refers to traditional structures where the father is the head of the group.
adj. relating to or characteristic of a social system in which power is primarily held by adult men. Often used in sociological contexts to describe structures where lineage and authority are traced through the male line.
Examples
“Many ancient societies were strictly patriarchal.”
“The documentary explores how patriarchal traditions in the region have changed over the last century.”
“Scholars argue that the patriarchal nature of the legal system historically prevented women from owning property or seeking independent financial security.”
Examples
simple
“Many ancient societies were strictly patriarchal.”
contextual
“The documentary explores how patriarchal traditions in the region have changed over the last century.”
complex
“Scholars argue that the patriarchal nature of the legal system historically prevented women from owning property or seeking independent financial security.”
Usage
Typically used attributively before a noun like 'society', 'system', or 'values'.
Real-World Examples
“Jonasi is a wealthy, self-made businessman, and in a patriarchal society he makes the decisions about everything.” “This patriarchal assumption was built into the welfare state from birth.” Etymology
Borrowed from Late Latin patriarchālis, from patriarcha + -ālis. Sychronically analyzable as patriarch + -al.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
Scan code
englishreference.com/q/patriarchal