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Matriarchal: meaning, definitions and examples

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matriarchal

 

[ ˌmeɪtəriˈɑrkəl ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

social structure

Matriarchal refers to a social system in which females, particularly mothers, hold primary power and authority in roles of leadership, moral authority, social privilege, and control of property. This concept contrasts with patriarchal systems where males dominate such roles. In matriarchal societies, lineage and inheritance are often traced through the female line. These societies can be found in various cultures around the world, often characterized by a strong emphasis on family and community bonds.

Synonyms

female-led, matrifocal, woman-centered

Examples of usage

  • The matriarchal society valued the wisdom of its elder women.
  • In a matriarchal clan, property is passed down through daughters.
  • Some anthropologists study the matriarchal tribes in the Amazon rainforest.

Translations

Translations of the word "matriarchal" in other languages:

🇵🇹 matriarcal

🇮🇳 मातृसत्तात्मक

🇩🇪 matriarchal

🇮🇩 matriarkal

🇺🇦 матріархальний

🇵🇱 matriarchalny

🇯🇵 母系的な

🇫🇷 matriarcal

🇪🇸 matriarcal

🇹🇷 matriarkal

🇰🇷 모계의

🇸🇦 أمومية

🇨🇿 matriarchální

🇸🇰 matriarchálny

🇨🇳 母系的

🇸🇮 matriarhalen

🇮🇸 móðurættar

🇰🇿 аналық

🇬🇪 მატრიარქალური

🇦🇿 matriarxal

🇲🇽 matriarcal

Word origin

The term 'matriarchal' derives from the combination of two roots: 'mater', the Latin word for 'mother', and 'arché', a Greek word meaning 'rule' or 'government'. Together, they signify a system where mothers are the heads of families or societies. The concept emerged in the social sciences in the mid-20th century as scholars began to examine societies that were organized around female leadership and familial structures. While many modern societies are patriarchal, historical evidence suggests that certain prehistoric and contemporary cultures have operated under matriarchal structures. These societies often challenge conventional views on gender roles and illustrate the diversity of social organization throughout human history.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #30,544 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.