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Agnatic: meaning, definitions and examples

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agnatic

 

[əɡˈnatɪk ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

family relations

Related through male ancestors or relatives; specifically, related through the father only.

Synonyms

patriarchal, patrilineal.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
agnatic

Used primarily in legal or historical contexts to describe relationships or inheritance through the male line. This term is formal and specific.

  • The throne can only be inherited through an agnatic line.
  • Agnatic succession was the norm in medieval nobility.
patrilineal

Describes inheritance or lineage traced through the male line. Commonly used in anthropological or cultural studies.

  • In a patrilineal society, property is passed down from father to son.
  • They follow a patrilineal system of family heritage.
patriarchal

Describes a social system where men hold primary power, often used in sociological, anthropological, or feminist studies. The term has a negative connotation when used to critique such systems.

  • The patriarchal structure of the society limited women's rights.
  • Her research focuses on the impact of patriarchal norms on gender equality.

Examples of usage

  • According to agnatic kinship, inheritance passes through the male line.
  • In many societies, agnatic relationships are given more importance than matrilineal ones.
Context #2 | Adjective

legal

Related to or based on the male line of descent.

Synonyms

patriarchal, patrilineal.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
agnatic

Often used interchangeably with 'agnatic' but less common. Can be found in historical and genealogical records.

  • The feudal system often followed agnatic lines of descent.
  • Their agnatic ties were well-documented in ancient scrolls.
patrilineal

Used to indicate descent and inheritance that are traced through the father's lineage, often in anthropological and sociological contexts.

  • In a patrilineal society, children typically inherit their father's property.
  • Patrilineal descent is common in many cultures around the world.
patriarchal

Describes a social system where men hold primary power and dominate roles in leadership, moral authority, and control of property. Can have a negative connotation when emphasizing gender inequity.

  • The patriarchal structure of the organization made it difficult for women to advance.
  • Many traditional societies have patriarchal family roles.

Examples of usage

  • In some cultures, agnatic succession is the norm.
  • The agnatic system of inheritance favored sons over daughters.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'agnatic' comes from the Latin 'agnatus', meaning 'related through male kin'.
  • It is related to the word 'agnate', which means a male relative like a brother or father.
  • The prefix 'a-' in Latin often indicates a lack or absence, while 'gnatus' means born, highlighting lineage.

Cultural Significance

  • In many cultures, inheritance and family name continuation often follow the agnatic line, meaning it favors male descendants.
  • Agnatic succession is a practice seen in various royal families, where kings are chosen based on male lineage.
  • Some societies still prioritize agnatic relations in their genealogies, impacting marriage and kinship obligations.

Sociology

  • Agnatic ties can affect social structure and community dynamics, as male lines often hold power in patriarchal societies.
  • In many cultures, familial loyalty is often strongest among male relatives, affecting social behavior and traditions.
  • Agnatic ties often influence inheritance laws, which can lead to gender-based disparities in property ownership.

Historical Context

  • The concept of agnation was prominent in ancient Rome, where lineage dictated social standing and rights.
  • Historically, many societies treated agnatic and cognatic (relating to both male and female lines) relationships differently in legal matters.
  • Some nomadic tribes historically favored agnatic structures to ensure the survival of family alliances in harsh environments.

Modern Implications

  • In contemporary discussions of family law, agnatic ties are often scrutinized in terms of gender equality in rights.
  • Modern genealogy has opened discussions about the importance of both agnatic and cognatic lines for tracing ancestry.
  • Some countries have revised their succession laws to give equal rights to descendants of both male and female lines, challenging traditional agnatic practices.

Translations

Translations of the word "agnatic" in other languages:

🇵🇹 agnático

🇮🇳 पैतृक

🇩🇪 agnatisch

🇮🇩 agnatik

🇺🇦 агнатичний

🇵🇱 agnatyczny

🇯🇵 父系の

🇫🇷 agnatique

🇪🇸 agnático

🇹🇷 agnatik

🇰🇷 부계의

🇸🇦 أجناتي

🇨🇿 agnatický

🇸🇰 agnatický

🇨🇳 父系的

🇸🇮 agnatičen

🇮🇸 agnatískur

🇰🇿 агнатикалық

🇬🇪 აგნატური

🇦🇿 agnatik

🇲🇽 agnático

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #34,910 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.