matriarch

/'meitriɑ:k/

Thân thiện

An elderly matriarch sits at the head of a long dining table, surrounded by her family.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A female head of a family or tribe: A woman who is the head and ruler of her family or social group, often holding a position of respect and authority passed down through generations.
   • (Informal/Humorous) A dignified, powerful, or feisty older woman: Often used to describe a woman who is a dominant or commanding figure within a domestic or social sphere.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • In many traditional societies, the eldest woman served as the matriarch, making important decisions for the entire clan.
  • After her husband passed away, she became the family matriarch, guiding her children and grandchildren with wisdom.
  • (Informal) My grandmother is the matriarch of our household; everyone listens to her advice.

Advanced Usage

• "The matriarch of the family": A common phrase emphasizing the woman's central, governing role within the family unit.

  • As the matriarch of the family, she presided over all holiday gatherings.

• "A matriarchal society": (Note: This is a related term, not the target word itself). Refers to a social system where power and lineage are traced through women.

  • Anthropologists have studied cultures with a matriarchal structure.

Variants and Related Words

• Matriarchal (adj): Characteristic of or relating to a matriarch or matriarchy.

  • The family had a matriarchal system of inheritance.

• Matriarchy (n): A social system in which women hold primary power and roles of political leadership.

  • The concept of a true matriarchy is rare in recorded history.

Synonyms

• Female head: A woman who leads a family or group.
• Dowager: A widow with a title or property derived from her late husband, often conveying dignity and authority.
• Matron: A married woman, especially one who is dignified and mature.

Antonyms

• Patriarch: A male head of a family or tribe.

Học thuật

Noun

1. a feisty older woman with a big bosom (as drawn in cartoons)
2. a female head of a family or tribe

Từ đồng nghĩa

• materfamilias