Definition

Adjective: 1. Relating to or based on kinship with the father or descent through the male line: This term describes systems, relationships, or inheritance that are traced exclusively through the father's lineage.

Usage

The adjective "patrilinear" is used to modify nouns related to family, descent, inheritance, and social structure. It is a formal, anthropological term. - It typically precedes the noun it describes (e.g., patrilinear descent, patrilinear system). - It describes a principle of organization, not a single event.

Examples

• Adjective:
  • In many patrilinear societies, family name and property are passed from father to son.
  • Their kinship system is strictly patrilinear, meaning children belong to their father's clan.
  • Anthropologists studied the patrilinear inheritance patterns of the community.

Advanced Usage

• "Patrilinear descent": The specific principle of tracing ancestry and family membership through the male line.
  • The tribe's identity is defined by patrilinear descent.
• "Patrilinear succession": A system where leadership or titles are inherited through the male line.
  • The monarchy practiced patrilinear succession for centuries.

Variants and Related Words

• Patrilineal (adj): This is a more common synonym with identical meaning. The two words are often used interchangeably.
  • She researched patrilineal kinship groups.
• Patriline (n): The line of descent traced through the father.
  • He can trace his patriline back ten generations.
• Matrilinear (adj): The opposite principle, based on descent through the female line.

Synonyms

• Agnatic: (Formal, legal) Related through male descent or on the father's side.
• Paternal: Of or relating to a father. (Less specific to lineage systems).

Antonyms

• Matrilinear / Matrilineal: Based on descent through the female line.
• Bilateral: Tracing descent through both male and female ancestors.

Adjective

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