matriarchal
/,meitri'ɑ:kəl/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- 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
- characteristic of a matriarchy