patriarchate: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1formal, historical, religious, sociological
Quick answer
What does “patriarchate” mean?
The office, jurisdiction, or residence of a patriarch, particularly a high-ranking bishop in certain Christian churches.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The office, jurisdiction, or residence of a patriarch, particularly a high-ranking bishop in certain Christian churches.
A social system or organization where men hold primary power and predominate in roles of political leadership, moral authority, and control of property, or the territory governed by a patriarch.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. Spelling is identical.
Connotations
In religious contexts, it is a neutral, technical term. In feminist/gender studies contexts, it carries strong negative connotations of systemic male dominance.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in UK English due to historical discourse on the Church of England and established sociology departments, but the difference is marginal.
Grammar
How to Use “patriarchate” in a Sentence
the patriarchate of [Place/Name]under the patriarchate ofthe dissolution of the patriarchateVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “patriarchate” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The patriarchate authority was unquestioned.
- A patriarchate system was in place.
American English
- Patriarchate rule was established early on.
- They studied patriarchate structures.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might be used metaphorically to criticise a male-dominated corporate culture.
Academic
Common in history, theology, religious studies, sociology, and gender studies.
Everyday
Very rare. Would be understood in news about church affairs or feminist commentary.
Technical
Standard term in ecclesiastical law and historical studies of church governance.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “patriarchate”
Strong
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “patriarchate”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “patriarchate”
- Misspelling as 'patriarchy' (the system) when meaning 'patriarchate' (the office/territory). Using it as a verb (it is only a noun). Incorrect plural: 'patriarchates'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Patriarchate' specifically refers to the office, jurisdiction, or residence of a patriarch (often in a religious context). 'Patriarchy' is the broader social system or ideology where men hold primary power.
No, it is a low-frequency, specialised word used primarily in religious, historical, and academic (sociology/gender studies) contexts.
No, 'patriarchate' is solely a noun. There is no verb form 'to patriarchate'.
The ancient Pentarchy consisted of Rome, Constantinople, Alexandria, Antioch, and Jerusalem. Today, there are several more in Eastern Orthodoxy and other traditions.
The office, jurisdiction, or residence of a patriarch, particularly a high-ranking bishop in certain Christian churches.
Patriarchate is usually formal, historical, religious, sociological in register.
Patriarchate: in British English it is pronounced /ˈpeɪtriɑːkət/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈpeɪtriɑːrkət/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “The long arm of the patriarchate”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'ARCH' as in ruler (like monarch) + 'PATR' as in father (pater). The 'ate' makes it a domain or office. The office ruled by a father-figure.
Conceptual Metaphor
POWER IS HIERARCHY (the structure is seen as a pyramid with the patriarch at the top).
Practice
Quiz
In a sociological context, 'patriarchate' is most closely associated with which concept?