What does patriarchally mean?
Patriarchally is an adverb meaning in a manner characterized by patriarchal authority or male dominance. It is commonly used to describe families, households, communities, and institutions in which senior men hold most of the decision-making power, control important resources, or determine the status of other members. The word can neutrally identify a social arrangement, as when describing historical customs, but modern usage often evaluates such arrangements critically because they marginalize women and less powerful members. It is more specific than a general expression such as “in a male-dominated way,” especially when the power structure is connected with family, kinship, age, or inherited status. The adverb is derived from the adjective patriarchal and is less common in everyday speech than in academic, historical, legal, and social analysis.
adverbIn a manner characterized by patriarchal authority or male dominance, especially within a family, kinship group, or social institution.
- In a manner characterized by male or senior-male authority, particularly in a family or social group.
"The community continued to organize its leadership patriarchally, with the eldest male holding the primary authority."
"The organization operated patriarchally, making decisions primarily through its senior male members."
"Her essay criticizes the traditionally patriarchal way in which property was inherited."
Patriarchally turns a description of family structure into a precise warning about who holds the power.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does patriarchally come from?
The word is derived from patriarchal, which comes from patriarch. Patriarch ultimately comes from Greek patriarchēs, a compound of elements meaning “father” and “rule,” and was adopted into Latin and then English. The related word patriarchy likewise developed from Greek patreia, meaning “fatherhood” or “a system ruled by a father.”
Related word forms
How patriarchally is actually used
Relatively formal and specialized. In contemporary discussion it often has a critical connotation, emphasizing male dominance or exclusion from authority, although it can also describe historical or cultural arrangements neutrally.
Easily confused with patriarchally
Patriarchal refers to a system in which men, especially senior men, hold authority, whereas paternal refers to something associated with a father's role or feelings toward his children.