Hierarchy

Definition

Hierarchy is a system in which members of an organization or society are ranked according to relative status or authority.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈhaɪəˌrɑrki/
• Respelling: HYE-uh-rahr-kee (with "HYE" as in "high," "uh" as in "sofa," "rahr" as in "car," and "kee" as in "key")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈhaɪəˌrɑːki/
• Respelling: HYE-uh-rah-kee (with "HYE" as in "high," "uh" as in "sofa," "rah" as in "car," and "kee" as in "key")

In both dialects, "hierarchy" places the primary stress on the first syllable, "HYE." The pronunciation is similar across both American and British English, focusing on the clear articulation of "HYE-uh-rahr-kee" or "HYE-uh-rah-kee."

Etymology

From Old French "ierarchie" derived from Medieval Latin "hierarchia", from Ancient Greek "hierarkhia" (rule of a high priest), from "hierarkhes" (leader of sacred rites, high priest, leader of ceremonies; chief priest), from "hieros" (sacred) + "arkhe" (rule, beginning, first place).

Derivatives

• Hierarchical (adjective)
• Hierarchically (adverb)
• Hierarch (noun)
• Subhierarchy (noun)
• Hierarchize (verb)

Synonyms

• Pecking order
• Ranking
• Chain of command

Antonyms

• Equality
• Flat structure
• Egalitarianism

Usage

The term "hierarchy" is widely used in various fields, including organizational structure, social systems, and biological classifications, to describe the arrangement of individuals or groups in a ranked order.

Related Terms

• Pyramid
• Order
• Stratification
• Taxonomy
• Caste

Detailed Definition

Noun

• System of Ranking: An arrangement or classification of things according to relative importance or inclusiveness.
  • Example: The company has a strict hierarchy with clear lines of authority.

• Organizational Structure: A system in which members of an organization or society are ranked according to levels of power or authority.
  • Example: The church hierarchy includes bishops, priests, and deacons.

• Social Hierarchy: The division of society by rank or class.
  • Example: Ancient societies often had rigid social hierarchies.

Note: "Hierarchy" can be found in numerous contexts from social sciences to natural sciences. The hierarchical model is prominent in systems thinking, organization structures, data systems, and even in philosophical discussions on human needs and values.