patrilineal

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Word: Patrilineal

Part of Speech: Adjective

Definition: The word "patrilineal" refers to a system or practice that traces family lineage, inheritance, or descent through the male side of the family. This means that family names, property, and titles are passed down from fathers to their children, particularly sons.

Usage Instructions:

• Use "patrilineal" when discussing family structures, inheritance laws, or social systems that emphasize the male lineage.
• It is often used in anthropological or sociological contexts.

Example:

• "In a patrilineal society, children usually inherit their family name and property from their fathers."

Advanced Usage:

• In discussions about cultural practices, you might say: "Many cultures around the world are patrilineal, which affects inheritance and family roles significantly."

Word Variants:

• Patrilineage (noun): Refers to the line of descent traced through the male ancestors.
• Patrilinear (adjective): A variant that means the same thing as patrilineal but is less commonly used.

Different Meanings:

• The term is specifically about lineage and does not have other meanings outside of this context.

Synonyms:

• Male-lineage
• Patricentric (though this is less common and more focused on male-centered structures)

Related Terms and Concepts:

• Matrilineal: This is the opposite of patrilineal, where lineage is traced through the female line (mothers to daughters).
• Lineage: The line of descent from an ancestor; this can be either patrilineal or matrilineal.

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• There are no specific idioms or phrasal verbs that use "patrilineal," as it is a more technical term used in specific contexts.

Summary:

"Patrilineal" is an adjective that describes a system where family descent and inheritance are traced through males.

Academic

Adjective

1. based on or tracing descent through the male line
   • a patrilineal society

Synonyms

• patrilinear