Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Characteristic of a matriarchy: Describing a family, group, or society that is led by women, especially mothers, or where lineage and inheritance are traced through the female line. It implies a system where women hold primary power and authority.

Usage

• The adjective matriarchal is used to describe the structure, customs, or nature of a social system. It is the opposite of "patriarchal."
• It is typically used in anthropological, sociological, and historical contexts.

Examples

• Adjective:
  • Some ancient societies are believed to have been matriarchal in structure.
  • The elephant herd has a matriarchal social order, led by the oldest female.
  • She comes from a matriarchal family where all major decisions are made by the grandmother.

Advanced Usage

• "Matriarchal society": A specific term for a community organized under matriarchal principles.
  • Anthropologists have studied the few remaining matriarchal societies in the world.
• "Matriarchal figure": Refers to a woman who is the dominant and respected leader in a family or group.
  • Even in the modern company, she was seen as the matriarchal figure everyone respected.

Variants and Related Words

• Matriarchy (n): A social system in which women, especially mothers, hold the primary positions of power.
  • The concept of a matriarchy is central to the study of certain cultural histories.
• Matriarch (n): A woman who is the head of a family or tribe.
  • The matriarch of the clan made the final ruling.

Synonyms

• Mother-centered: Having the mother as the central figure.
• Gynecocratic: (Formal) Ruled by women.

Antonyms

• Patriarchal: Characteristic of a system led by men or fathers.

Adjective

1. characteristic of a matriarchy