materfamilias Definition
- 1the female head of a household or family
- 2a woman who is the oldest or most authoritative member of a group
Using materfamilias: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "materfamilias" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
As the materfamilias, she made all the important decisions for the family.
Example
The grandmother was the materfamilias of the extended family.
Example
She was the materfamilias of the community, respected and admired by all.
materfamilias Synonyms and Antonyms
Phrases with materfamilias
a woman who is in charge of the kitchen and cooking in a household
Example
My grandmother was the materfamilias of the kitchen, and her recipes were legendary.
a woman who is the most influential or respected figure in the arts community
Example
She was known as the materfamilias of the arts, having nurtured and supported many young artists over the years.
a woman who is the leader or authority figure of a large family or clan
Example
The materfamilias of the clan was a formidable woman, feared and respected by all who knew her.
Origins of materfamilias
from Latin 'mater' meaning 'mother' and 'familias' meaning 'family'
Summary: materfamilias in Brief
'Materfamilias' [mey-ter-fuh-mil-ee-uhs] refers to a woman who is the head of a household or family, or the oldest or most authoritative member of a group. It is often used to describe a woman who is respected and admired for her leadership and wisdom, as in 'She was the materfamilias of the community.' The term can also be used in phrases like 'materfamilias of the kitchen,' referring to a woman who is in charge of cooking in a household.