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Paterfamilias

usgb/ˌpætərfəˈmɪliæs/Volume
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Historical Authority

Originally implies absolute control; think of old legal systems where men ruled families.

Illustration for Historical Authority
As the paterfamilias, he decided the profession of his sons.
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Traditional Use

Strongly associated with historical or traditional settings; rarely used in modern, egalitarian discussions.

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The paterfamilias would oversee the entire lineage's affairs.
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Archaic Tone

Can sound archaic. Use it to evoke a sense of antiquity or in discussing ancient history.

Illustration for Archaic Tone
In the play, the paterfamilias cursed his fate under Roman law.
Visual representation of the word "Paterfamilias"

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