matriarch
/ˈmeɪtriɑːk/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈmeɪtriɑːrk/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈmā-trē-ˌärk/ (ame, mw)
matriarch — noun
- matriarchsingular
- matriarchsplural
1. An older woman who is the respected leader of her family, making important decis
An older woman who is the respected leader of her family, making important decisions and keeping family members emotionally connected across generations.
When Grandpa Ng passed away, Auntie Mei-Lin became the new matriarch of the family.
matriarch of the family — noun + of + group
The family matriarch decided that this year's reunion dinner would be at her home, overruling her sons who argued for a restaurant.
matriarch decided… overruling — shows authority through veto power
Chidi's grandmother is the respected matriarch of their large extended family in Lagos.
Elena has been the family matriarch for thirty years, keeping three generations together.
As the family matriarch, Fatima settles disagreements between her children and grandchildren with quiet authority.
- family head
More neutral and less evocative of the traditional-authority role that 'matriarch' carries
- matron
Focuses on household management rather than authority and leadership across generations
- grandmother
Only if she is literally a grandmother; 'matriarch' can also be a grand-aunt or other elder
- patriarch
The male equivalent — the respected older man who leads a family
用法筆記
Can refer to any respected older woman who leads a family, not only the biological mother or grandmother. The word implies authority earned through age and experience rather than formal position.
常見錯誤
2. A female ruler of a community or group that follows a matrilineal system, where
A female ruler of a community or group that follows a matrilineal system, where inheritances and family connections pass through the mother's bloodline.
Among the Minangkabau in Indonesia, the clan matriarch manages land and property for her community.
clan matriarch — anthropological use with 'clan'
A museum exhibit described a thirteenth-century matriarch who controlled trade routes across Southeast Asia.
Among the Mosuo people of Yunnan, Elder A-Che has served as the clan matriarch for forty years, settling land disputes between families.
In this matrilineal society, the tribal matriarch holds authority over marriage agreements and land distribution.
- female ruler
Descriptive but generic; lacks the specific matrilineal-system meaning
- chieftainess
A female tribal leader, but does not imply a matrilineal inheritance system
- queen mother
A specific role in some African societies, closer to 'matriarch' but more ceremonial
- patriarch
The male ruler of a patrilineal society where power passes through the father's line
用法筆記
Primarily used in anthropology, history, and area studies. Not used in everyday conversation about modern families. Distinguish from sense 1 (FAMILY HEAD), which describes a family leader in any society regardless of its formal power structure.