Patrilineal: meaning, definitions and examples

This word is suitable for describing a social system where family lineage or inheritance is traced through the male line, often in the context of cultural or historical analysis.

• In a patrilineal society, children typically take their father's surname.
• The tribe follows a patrilineal lineage, with land and titles inherited by male descendants.

This word is predominantly used in legal or historical discussions about hereditary succession or family relations traced through male lines.

• Agnatic succession ensured that only male descendants could inherit the throne.
• The agnatic principle restricted inheritance to male members of the family.

The term is best used in legal, genealogical, or anthropological contexts to refer to relatives on the father's side. It can also apply to discussions about kinship and inheritance laws.

• Inheritance laws in this country favor agnates, giving them priority over other relatives.
• According to Roman law, an agnate was a relative descended from the same male ancestor.

Use this phrase in anthropological or sociological discussions to describe a kinship system where relationships and lineage are traced through male ancestors.

• Agnatic kinship played a crucial role in societal structures of ancient civilizations.
• Studies of agnatic kinship can reveal much about patrilineal societies and their inheritance customs.

This word is already described above. It's another entry, but it duplicates the context of the first word 'patrilineal'.

Used as an adjective for things that pertain to male lineage or male relatives, often in scholarly or legal documents.

• Agnatic succession was the rule in medieval European monarchies.
• The property rights are transferred through agnatic descent.

Used to describe relatives who are related through the male line, often in legal or genealogical contexts. This term might be more technical.

• He is an agnate of the family, related through his father's side.
• Under traditional laws, only agnates could inherit the land.

Used to describe a specific form of inheritance where assets are passed down through the male relatives, mostly used in legal, anthropological, or historical contexts.

• Agnatic inheritance can lead to disputes in modern family law.
• The ancient code dictated agnatic inheritance of titles and lands.