patriarchy
Patriarchy (noun) means a social system in which men hold most of the power, and in which authority, property and status pass primarily through men. Example: “The book argues that the patriarchy shapes who gets listened to at work.”
How to use patriarchy
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA society or system run mainly by men.
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The book argues that the _____ shapes who gets listened to at work.
Etymology
From Greek "patriarkhēs," the head of a family, from "patēr" (father) plus "arkhein" (to rule).
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for patriarchy
See all rhymes for patriarchy →Frequently asked questions
What does patriarchy mean?
A social system in which men hold most of the power and influence — in government, business, property and family authority. In modern usage it usually describes a structural pattern rather than any individual man.
What is the opposite of patriarchy?
Matriarchy, a system in which women hold that authority. Genuine matriarchies are historically rare, which is part of why the words are not used with equal frequency.
What is the meaning of patriarchy?
"patriarchy" (noun) means a social system in which men hold most of the power, and in which authority, property and status pass primarily through men.
What is another word for patriarchy?
Other words for "patriarchy" include male dominance.