Patriarch: meaning, definitions and examples

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patriarch

 

[ หˆpeษชtriษ‘หrk ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

family leader

A patriarch is the male head of a family or tribe, typically one who is respected and honored for his wisdom and leadership. In some cultures, the patriarch holds significant power and authority over family affairs and decision-making.

Synonyms

elder, head of the family, leader.

Examples of usage

  • The patriarch of the family made the final decision on important matters.
  • In traditional societies, the patriarch is responsible for providing for and protecting his family.
Context #2 | Noun

religious leader

In religious contexts, a patriarch is a title given to certain high-ranking bishops in the Eastern Orthodox Church. These patriarchs oversee specific regions and have authority over the clergy and faithful within their jurisdiction.

Synonyms

bishop, clergy leader, spiritual head.

Examples of usage

  • The patriarch of Constantinople is one of the most prominent figures in the Eastern Orthodox Church.
  • The patriarchs play a crucial role in the governance and spiritual guidance of their respective churches.

Translations

Translations of the word "patriarch" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น patriarca

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคชเฅˆเคŸเฅเคฐเคฟเค†เคฐเฅเค•

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Patriarch

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ patriark

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะฟะฐั‚ั€ั–ะฐั€ั…

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ patriarcha

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ๅฎถ้•ท

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท patriarche

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ patriarca

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท patrik

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๊ฐ€์žฅ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุจุทุฑูŠุฑูƒ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ patriarcha

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ patriarcha

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๆ—้•ฟ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ patriarh

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ forfaรฐir

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะฟะฐั‚ั€ะธะฐั€ั…

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒžแƒแƒขแƒ แƒ˜แƒแƒ แƒฅแƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ patriarx

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ patriarca

Etymology

The word 'patriarch' comes from the Greek words 'patriarkhฤ“s', which combines 'patฤ“r' meaning 'father' and 'arkhล' meaning 'to rule'. The term originally referred to the male head of a family or clan in ancient societies. Over time, it also came to be used in religious contexts to denote high-ranking bishops. The concept of patriarchy, or male dominance in society, is often associated with the idea of a patriarchal family structure.

See also: patriarchal, patriarchs.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #14,670, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.