patrilocal
UK[ˌpætrɪˈləʊkl]US[ˌpeɪtrɪˈloʊkl]
adj
relating to or denoting a custom in marriage where the couple lives with or near the husband's family or tribe.
Morpheme Breakdown
patri
local
patri
father
local
place
Etymology
the term "patrilocal" is a modern anthropological compound, constructed from classical elements to describe a specific social structure. the first element, "patri-", derives from the latin pater (father), which itself originates from the proto-indo-european root ph₂tḗr, also meaning father. the second element, "-local", comes from the latin locus (a place). when combined, the word literally means "of the father's place". this construction logically evolved from its literal components to its current abstract meaning in sociology, specifying a post-marital residence pattern centered on the paternal lineage, contrasting with matrilocal or neolocal arrangements.
Analysis
Structure: patri (father) + local (place)
- patri: from latin pater, meaning "father". functions as a combining form denoting relationship to the father or male line.
- local: from latin localis, from locus meaning "place". functions as an adjective-forming suffix meaning "pertaining to a place".
Examples
in many traditional societies, a patrilocal residence system is practiced, where the wife moves to live with her husband's family.
the anthropologist studied the patrilocal customs of the community, noting how it reinforced patriarchal kinship ties.
their marriage was patrilocal, so they settled in the village where his father and grandfather had lived.