patriarch Definition
- 1the male head of a family or tribe
- 2a man who is respected as the father or founder of a particular organization, tradition, or way of life
Using patriarch: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "patriarch" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The patriarch of the family was a wise and respected man.
Example
He is considered the patriarch of modern jazz music.
Example
The company's patriarch passed away last year.
Example
The patriarchal system has been criticized for its gender bias.
patriarch Synonyms and Antonyms
Idioms Using patriarch
the most important or influential person in a particular field or organization
Example
He is widely regarded as the patriarch of modern architecture.
a social system in which men hold primary power and predominate in roles of political leadership, moral authority, social privilege and control of property
Example
The patriarchal system has been criticized for its gender bias and lack of diversity.
a period in human history characterized by the dominance of male figures in society and culture
Example
The patriarchal age is often associated with the rise of agriculture and the development of settled communities.
Phrases with patriarch
the bishop of Antioch, who is regarded as the spiritual head of the Syriac Orthodox Church
Example
The patriarch of Antioch presided over the Easter service.
the bishop of Constantinople, who is regarded as the spiritual head of the Eastern Orthodox Church
Example
The patriarch of Constantinople is also known as the Ecumenical Patriarch.
the bishop of Rome, who is regarded as the spiritual head of the Roman Catholic Church
Example
The patriarch of Rome is also known as the Pope.
Origins of patriarch
from Greek 'patriarkhēs', meaning 'chief or father of a family'
Summary: patriarch in Brief
The term 'patriarch' [ˈpeɪtriɑːk] refers to the male head of a family or tribe, or a man who is respected as the father or founder of a particular organization, tradition, or way of life. It extends into phrases like 'patriarch of Antioch,' and idioms like 'the patriarch of something,' denoting the most important or influential person in a particular field or organization, and 'the patriarchal system,' referring to a social system in which men hold primary power and predominate in roles of political leadership, moral authority, social privilege and control of property.