What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
patriarchal
Example
The patriarchal society of ancient Greece gave men more rights than women. [patriarchal: adjective]
Example
In many traditional families, the patriarchal figure makes all the important decisions. [patriarchal: noun]
masculine
Example
He has a very masculine build, with broad shoulders and strong arms. [masculine: adjective]
Example
Wearing a suit and tie is considered a masculine style of dress. [masculine: adjective]
Example
Playing football is often seen as a masculine activity. [masculine: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Masculine is more commonly used than patriarchal in everyday language. Masculine is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while patriarchal is less common and is typically used in academic or critical contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between patriarchal and masculine?
Patriarchal is typically associated with a formal or academic tone, while masculine is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.
