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Definition of patriarchal

patriarchal

/ˌpeɪtriˈɑːrkəl/
pa · tri · ar · chal
Adverb:patriarchally
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patriarchal Lexical Profile

patriarchal Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Relating to or denoting a social system, family structure, or community in which men hold primary power, authority, and leadership roles.

Example

"The historian examined how traditional patriarchal customs shaped property inheritance laws over several centuries."

2

Characteristic of or relating to a patriarch, such as a venerable older man, a biblical ancestor, or a high-ranking Eastern Christian bishop.

Example

"With his long white beard and calm demeanor, the grandfather had a dignified, patriarchal presence at family gatherings."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for patriarchal

• Nearby Words

patna
patootie
patriarch
patriarchal
patriarchalist
patriarchally
patriarchate

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed from Late Latin patriarchalis, from Ancient Greek patriarches ('chief or father of a family'), combining patria ('family' or 'clan', from pater, 'father') and archein ('to rule').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Patriarchal. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/patriarchal
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