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Patriarchal: meaning, definitions and examples

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patriarchal

 

[ ˌpeɪtriˈɑːrkəl ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

society

Relating to or characteristic of a system of society or government controlled by men.

Synonyms

male-dominated, masculine, paternalistic

Examples of usage

  • The patriarchal society of the early 20th century limited women's rights and opportunities.
  • The patriarchal structure in the organization favored male employees over females.
Context #2 | Adjective

family

Relating to a system where the father or eldest male is the head of the family.

Synonyms

dominant, fatherly, paternal

Examples of usage

  • In many patriarchal cultures, the eldest male makes all the important decisions for the family.
  • The patriarchal family structure often places more authority and power in the hands of men.

Translations

Translations of the word "patriarchal" in other languages:

🇵🇹 patriarcal

🇮🇳 पितृसत्तात्मक

🇩🇪 patriarchal

🇮🇩 patriarkal

🇺🇦 патріархальний

🇵🇱 patriarchalny

🇯🇵 家父長制の

🇫🇷 patriarcal

🇪🇸 patriarcal

🇹🇷 ataerkil

🇰🇷 가부장적인

🇸🇦 أبوي

🇨🇿 patriarchální

🇸🇰 patriarchálny

🇨🇳 家长制的

🇸🇮 patriarhalen

🇮🇸 feðraveldis

🇰🇿 патриархалдық

🇬🇪 პატრიარქალური

🇦🇿 patriarxal

🇲🇽 patriarcal

Word origin

The term 'patriarchal' comes from the Greek word 'patriarkhēs', which means 'father or male head of a family'. The concept of patriarchal societies has existed for centuries, with men traditionally holding positions of power and authority. Patriarchal systems have been prevalent in many cultures and have often led to gender inequality and discrimination.

See also: patriarch, patriarchs.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #11,434, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.