adjective
patriarchal
payt-ree-AHKL
adjective
1
Relating to or resembling a patriarch; dignified in the manner of a respected elder.
"He had a patriarchal air that made everyone in the room listen."
2
Describing a society, family, or system in which men hold the primary power and authority.
"The novel critiques the patriarchal structure of the household."
"Inheritance in the region traditionally followed patriarchal lines."
How to Use Patriarchal
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEither "like a wise elder male leader," or, more commonly today, "run by and favouring men."
Common pairings
patriarchal society
patriarchal system
patriarchal family
Word Forms
more patriarchal comparative, most patriarchal superlative
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He had a _____ air that made everyone in the room listen.