Basic Details
Word: Matriarch
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: A woman who is the head of a family or community.
Synonyms: Female leader, matron, matronly figure
Antonyms: Patriarch, male leader
Idioms and Phrases
- Queen bee: Refers to a woman who is dominant and in charge, often used to describe a matriarch. Example: "At the family reunion, she acted as the queen bee, making all the important decisions."
- Mother hen: Used for someone who looks after others in a motherly way. Example: "Her friends often call her the mother hen because she always remembers to check on everyone."
Usage Examples
Example 1: The matriarch of the family organised the Christmas dinner and ensured everyone was included.
Example 2: In many animal societies, the matriarch is the oldest female, guiding the younger members with her wisdom.
Example 3: The village matriarch was respected for her knowledge of traditional customs and community leadership.
Fun Fact
Did you know that in some elephant herds, the matriarch is the oldest female and plays a crucial role in leading the group to water and food sources? This is vital for the survival of the herd, especially during tough seasons.
Famous Quote
"A mother is not a person to lean on, but a person to make leaning unnecessary." Dorothy Canfield Fisher
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "matriarch" mean?
a) A male leader
b) A woman who is the head of a family
c) A type of animal
d) A kind of tree
Answer: b) A woman who is the head of a family
2. Which of these is a synonym of "matriarch"?
a) Tiger
b) Matronly figure
c) Elephant
d) Lion
Answer: b) Matronly figure
3. What is the antonym of "matriarch"?
a) Leader
b) Female
c) Patriarch
d) Mother
Answer: c) Patriarch
4. Which sentence uses "matriarch" correctly?
a) The matriarch told everyone to sit quietly during the movie.
b) The matriarch flew across the ocean.
c) The matriarch makes delicious cakes.
d) The matriarch enjoyed swimming in the pool.
Answer: a) The matriarch told everyone to sit quietly during the movie.
5. Which idiom means the same as "matriarch"?
a) Mother hen
b) Lone wolf
c) As busy as a bee
d) Old as the hills
Answer: a) Mother hen
