How Do You Spell PHRATRY?

Pronunciation: [fɹˈatɹi] (IPA)

The word 'phratry' is spelled with a silent 'p' at the beginning, so it is pronounced as 'FRAY-tree', with the emphasis on the first syllable. The IPA phonetic transcription for this word is /ˈfreɪtri/. It refers to a kinship group within some traditional societies, particularly in ancient Greece. The word comes from the Greek 'phratria', which means 'brotherhood', and it was often used to describe a specific clan or family within a larger community.

PHRATRY Meaning and Definition

1. A phratry refers to a social unit or subdivision of a larger kinship group that exists in some societies, especially in those practicing certain forms of kinship organization. It is a term rooted in anthropological and ethnographic studies and is often associated with traditional and indigenous cultures.

   In essence, a phratry is a kinship or kin-group that is composed of multiple distinct clans or families. These families or clans share a common ancestry or are otherwise interconnected through marriage, economic cooperation, or cultural ties. Phratries often serve as a medium for social organization, coordinating events like rituals, ceremonies, or intergroup alliances. They can also be a source of social support, solidarity, and cooperation for their members.

   The phratry concept can be found primarily in sociocultural contexts, such as Native American tribes or certain African cultures. It typically denotes a level of organization between the family unit and the larger tribe or society. Phratries can vary significantly in size, structure, and function across different cultures, and may evolve over time due to social and political changes.

   While the precise definition and usage of the term may vary depending on the cultural context, the concept of a phratry remains an indispensable element in understanding how kin-based societies organize themselves and interact with one another.

Common Misspellings for PHRATRY

• ohratry
• lhratry
• -hratry
• 0hratry
• pgratry
• pbratry
• pnratry
• pjratry
• puratry
• pyratry
• pheatry
• phdatry
• phfatry
• phtatry
• ph5atry
• ph4atry
• phrztry
• phrstry
• phrwtry

Etymology of PHRATRY

The word "phratry" has its origins in ancient Greece, specifically in the Greek word "phratria" (φρατρία). The term is composed of the Greek words "phrater" (φράτηρ), meaning "brother", and the suffix "-ia", denoting "belonging to" or "related to".

In ancient Greece, a phratry referred to a social division or kinship group within a larger tribe or clan. Phratries consisted of individuals believed to be descended from a common ancestor or sharing a common mythical origin. Members of a phratry were bound by religious rituals, legal obligations, and mutual support, especially in matters related to marriage, inheritance, and warfare.

Plural form of PHRATRY is PHRATRIES