Matrilineally is an adverb that refers to tracing one's ancestry through the maternal line. Some synonyms for matrilineally include matrilocally, matriarchally, and matrifocally. Matrilocally refers to the practice of a married couple living with or near the wife's family. Matriarchally highlights the importance of a woman in a family or society as a leader or dominant figure. Matrifocally describes a family system where the mother is the central figure and the biological father's role is less significant. All of these words touch on the important role of women in family and societal structures, particularly in terms of lineage and leadership.