Paterfamilias
noun
The male head of a family or household.
In traditional societies, the paterfamilias had absolute authority over his family.
Often appears as...
- authority of paterfamilias
- paterfamilias of the household
Usage tips
Formal
Academic
noun
The oldest or most respected man within an organization or group.
In the local football team, he is regarded as the paterfamilias by the younger players.
Often appears as...
- paterfamilias of the organization
- respect for the paterfamilias
Usage tips
Formal
noun
The male head of a family or household.
In traditional societies, the paterfamilias had absolute authority over his family.
Often appears as...
- authority of paterfamilias
- paterfamilias of the household
Usage tips
Formal
Academic
noun
The oldest or most respected man within an organization or group.
In the local football team, he is regarded as the paterfamilias by the younger players.
Often appears as...
- paterfamilias of the organization
- respect for the paterfamilias
Usage tips
Formal
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Historical Authority
Originally implies absolute control; think of old legal systems where men ruled families.
As the paterfamilias, he decided the profession of his sons.
Pro Tip 2/3Traditional Use
Strongly associated with historical or traditional settings; rarely used in modern, egalitarian discussions.
The paterfamilias would oversee the entire lineage's affairs.
Pro Tip 3/3Archaic Tone
Can sound archaic. Use it to evoke a sense of antiquity or in discussing ancient history.
In the play, the paterfamilias cursed his fate under Roman law.
Pro Tip 1/3Historical Authority
Originally implies absolute control; think of old legal systems where men ruled families.
As the paterfamilias, he decided the profession of his sons.
Pro Tip 2/3Traditional Use
Strongly associated with historical or traditional settings; rarely used in modern, egalitarian discussions.
The paterfamilias would oversee the entire lineage's affairs.
Pro Tip 3/3Archaic Tone
Can sound archaic. Use it to evoke a sense of antiquity or in discussing ancient history.
In the play, the paterfamilias cursed his fate under Roman law.
Pro Tip 1/3Historical Authority
Originally implies absolute control; think of old legal systems where men ruled families.
As the paterfamilias, he decided the profession of his sons.
Pro Tip 2/3Traditional Use
Strongly associated with historical or traditional settings; rarely used in modern, egalitarian discussions.
The paterfamilias would oversee the entire lineage's affairs.
Pro Tip 3/3Archaic Tone
Can sound archaic. Use it to evoke a sense of antiquity or in discussing ancient history.
In the play, the paterfamilias cursed his fate under Roman law.
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Quote examples
Tom Brokaw
American Journalist
My family is not only attractive - I can say that because I'm paterfamilias - but they're really smart, and they're very, very compassionate.
Quote examples
Tom Brokaw
American Journalist
My family is not only attractive - I can say that because I'm paterfamilias - but they're really smart, and they're very, very compassionate.
Example 1 of 1
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