A2 noun Formal #584 most common

hierarchy

/ˈhaɪəˌrɑːrki/

A hierarchy is a system where people or things are organized into different levels of importance or power. In this system, someone at the top has more authority than someone at the bottom.

Examples

3 of 5
1

In my family, there is a clear hierarchy with my grandfather at the top.

In my family, there is a clear hierarchy with my grandfather at the top.

2

The military uses a strict hierarchy to maintain discipline and order.

The military uses a strict hierarchy to maintain discipline and order.

3

I'm new here, so I don't really understand the office hierarchy yet.

I'm new here, so I don't really understand the office hierarchy yet.

Word Family

Noun
hierarchy
Verb
hierarchize
Adverb
hierarchically
Adjective
hierarchical
Related
hierarch
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Memory Tip

Think of the word 'Higher'. A hierarchy is a list where some people are 'higher' than others, like steps on a ladder.

Quick Quiz

In a traditional company ________, the manager has more power than the intern.

Correct!

The correct answer is: hierarchy

Examples

1

In my family, there is a clear hierarchy with my grandfather at the top.

everyday

In my family, there is a clear hierarchy with my grandfather at the top.

2

The military uses a strict hierarchy to maintain discipline and order.

formal

The military uses a strict hierarchy to maintain discipline and order.

3

I'm new here, so I don't really understand the office hierarchy yet.

informal

I'm new here, so I don't really understand the office hierarchy yet.

4

Biologists study the social hierarchy of wolf packs to understand their behavior.

academic

Biologists study the social hierarchy of wolf packs to understand their behavior.

5

The company has a very flat hierarchy, allowing employees to speak directly with the CEO.

business

The company has a very flat hierarchy, allowing employees to speak directly with the CEO.

Word Family

Noun
hierarchy
Verb
hierarchize
Adverb
hierarchically
Adjective
hierarchical
Related
hierarch

Common Collocations

social hierarchy social hierarchy
corporate hierarchy corporate hierarchy
strict hierarchy strict hierarchy
establish a hierarchy establish a hierarchy
climb the hierarchy climb the hierarchy

Common Phrases

the bottom of the hierarchy

the bottom of the hierarchy

top-down hierarchy

top-down hierarchy

rigid hierarchy

rigid hierarchy

Often Confused With

hierarchy vs anarchy

Hierarchy is a system with strict levels of order; anarchy is a state where there is no leader or structure at all.

📝

Usage Notes

Use this word when describing organized groups, such as businesses, governments, or biological classifications. It often implies a 'vertical' relationship between levels.

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Learners often struggle with the spelling; remember it contains 'hier' (like higher) and ends in '-archy' (like monarchy).

💡

Memory Tip

Think of the word 'Higher'. A hierarchy is a list where some people are 'higher' than others, like steps on a ladder.

📖

Word Origin

From the Greek 'hierarkhia', meaning the rule of a high priest or holy leader.

Grammar Patterns

Countable noun: plural is hierarchies. Often used with the preposition 'of' (e.g., a hierarchy of needs).
🌍

Cultural Context

In modern Western business, there is a trend toward 'flat hierarchies' where there are fewer levels between staff and management.

Quick Quiz

In a traditional company ________, the manager has more power than the intern.

Correct!

The correct answer is: hierarchy

Related Words

sit

A1

To rest your body on your bottom with your back upright, typically on a chair or the floor. It describes both the action of moving into this position and the state of being in it.

stand

A1

To be in an upright position supported by one's feet rather than sitting or lying down. It also refers to the physical location of an object or a person's particular opinion on a subject.

pay

A1

To give money to someone in exchange for goods, services, or to settle a debt. It can also mean to give something non-monetary, such as attention or a compliment.

meet

A1

To come together with someone at a specific place and time, or to be introduced to someone for the first time. It can also mean to satisfy a requirement, standard, or need.

continue

A1

To keep doing something or to stay in the same state without stopping. It can also mean to start an activity again after a short break.

set

A1

To put or place something in a specific position or location. It also means to adjust or prepare something so that it is ready for use, such as a clock or a table.

learn

A1

To gain knowledge, understanding, or a skill by studying, practicing, or being taught. It refers to the process of acquiring information through experience or education.

lead

A1

To go in front of a group of people to show them the way to a place. It also means to be in control of a group, a team, or an activity.

understand

A1

To know the meaning of what someone is saying or how something works. It involves grasping an idea, a language, or a situation clearly in your mind.

follow

A1

To move behind someone or something in the same direction. It also means to obey rules, instructions, or to understand the logic of an argument or story.

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