patriarch

A man who leads a family, tribe, or community, often an older man.

• Our grandfather was the family patriarch.
• The tribe’s patriarch welcomed the visitors.
• The story follows three generations of patriarchs.

How to use it: patriarch of something (His grandfather was the patriarch of the family.)

Similar words: male head, male leader

Opposites: matriarch

Common phrases: family patriarch, patriarch of something, elderly patriarch

A very senior Christian church leader who has authority over other bishops or holds a special title.

• The patriarch led the church service.
• Several bishops met the newly elected patriarch.
• The church has chosen its next patriarch.

How to use it: patriarch of something (The patriarch of the church led the service.)

Common phrases: Orthodox patriarch, patriarch of something, new patriarch