matriarchate: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2/RareAcademic, Technical, Anthropological
Quick answer
What does “matriarchate” mean?
A social system or form of society in which women, especially mothers, hold the primary positions of power, authority, and leadership.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A social system or form of society in which women, especially mothers, hold the primary positions of power, authority, and leadership.
The position or rule of a matriarch; a society, group, or family structure governed by women. Also used in historical and anthropological contexts to describe specific documented or hypothesized social structures.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant spelling or usage differences. The term is used identically in formal academic contexts in both varieties.
Connotations
Neutral and technical in both. May carry a slight historical or hypothetical connotation, as true matriarchates are considered rare or debated in anthropological literature.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both, limited almost entirely to academic anthropology, sociology, gender studies, and historical texts.
Grammar
How to Use “matriarchate” in a Sentence
The matriarchate of [society/group name]Evidence suggests a matriarchate existed in [place/time].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “matriarchate” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- The matriarchal society (preferred over 'matriarchate society').
- She studied matriarchate structures in ancient myths.
American English
- The matriarchal system (preferred over 'matriarchate system').
- He wrote about matriarchate principles in his thesis.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not applicable. Highly unlikely to be used.
Academic
Used in anthropology, sociology, history, and gender studies to discuss specific societal structures. Example: 'The debate continues over whether the Minoan civilization was a true matriarchate.'
Everyday
Virtually never used. A layperson might use 'matriarchy' instead.
Technical
Specific term in anthropological typology to classify societies based on power structures.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “matriarchate”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “matriarchate”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “matriarchate”
- Misspelling as 'matriarchite' or 'matriarchy' (though 'matriarchy' is a synonym).
- Using it to describe a single powerful woman rather than a system.
- Pronouncing it /mætˈraɪ.ɑː.kət/ (wrong stress on second syllable).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, in most academic contexts they are used synonymously to refer to a society governed by women. 'Matriarchy' is somewhat more common.
Scholars debate this. Some point to the Mosuo of China or certain historical societies as examples, but many argue true political matriarchates are rare or non-existent, with 'matrilineal' or 'matrifocal' being more accurate descriptors.
Informally and metaphorically, yes (e.g., 'My grandmother runs a little matriarchate'), but technically it refers to a larger societal or political structure.
The direct antonym is 'patriarchate' or 'patriarchy'.
A social system or form of society in which women, especially mothers, hold the primary positions of power, authority, and leadership.
Matriarchate is usually academic, technical, anthropological in register.
Matriarchate: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmeɪ.tri.ɑː.kət/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmeɪ.tri.ɑːr.kət/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None directly; related to 'rule of the mothers'.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: MATRIarchATE = a stATE ruled by MATRIarchs (mother-rulers).
Conceptual Metaphor
SOCIETY IS A FAMILY (with the mother as the head).
Practice
Quiz
What is the most precise meaning of 'matriarchate'?