Paterfamilias

usgb/ˌpætərfəˈmɪliæs/
noun

The male head of a family or household.

In traditional societies, the paterfamilias had absolute authority over his family.
Visual representation of "paterfamilias" - The male head of a family or household.

Often appears as...

  • authority of paterfamilias
  • paterfamilias of the household

Usage tips

Formal

Academic

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Visual representation of "paterfamilias"
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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.

Illustration for Traditional Use
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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