Meaning & use
patriarchal family
Last updated
Meaning
nouncountabletechnical
A family structure in which the father or oldest male holds the main authority and power.
Grammar: Countable: use 'a patriarchal family' for one, 'patriarchal families' for more than one.
Patterns
- a patriarchal family
- in a patriarchal family
- patriarchal family structure
In a patriarchal family, the father usually makes the important decisions.
The study examined how patriarchal family structures affect women's roles.
Many societies have moved away from the traditional patriarchal family.
Word forms
| plural | patriarchal families |
|---|
Common combinations
- patriarchal family structure
- The patriarchal family structure gave the father control over finances.
- traditional patriarchal family
- She grew up in a traditional patriarchal family where the grandfather was the head.
- patriarchal family system
- The patriarchal family system has been studied by sociologists for decades.
Synonyms and how they differ
- male-dominated family
- A more general phrase; 'patriarchal family' is the specific academic term.
- father-led family
- Focuses on the father's leadership; 'patriarchal' also implies broader male authority and cultural patterns.
Opposites
Word family
- patriarchy noun
- A social system in which men hold primary power.
- patriarch noun
- The male head of a family or tribe.
- patriarchal adjective
- Relating to a system controlled by men.
Commonly confused: patriarchal family or patriotic?
patriarchal family vs patriotic
Patriotic means showing love for your country. Patriarchal is about male authority in a family or society.
Practice
What is a 'patriarchal family'?
Choose one answer.
The word 'patriarchal' comes from 'patriarch,' meaning a male head. So a patriarchal family is one where the father or oldest male holds authority. Option A describes a matriarchal family, and options C and D describe other family features.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “patriarchal family”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.