hierarchy
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 5In 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.
The military uses a strict hierarchy to maintain discipline and order.
The military uses a strict hierarchy to maintain discipline and order.
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
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
In my family, there is a clear hierarchy with my grandfather at the top.
everydayIn my family, there is a clear hierarchy with my grandfather at the top.
The military uses a strict hierarchy to maintain discipline and order.
formalThe military uses a strict hierarchy to maintain discipline and order.
I'm new here, so I don't really understand the office hierarchy yet.
informalI'm new here, so I don't really understand the office hierarchy yet.
Biologists study the social hierarchy of wolf packs to understand their behavior.
academicBiologists study the social hierarchy of wolf packs to understand their behavior.
The company has a very flat hierarchy, allowing employees to speak directly with the CEO.
businessThe company has a very flat hierarchy, allowing employees to speak directly with the CEO.
Word Family
Common Collocations
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 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
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 Grammar Rules
Related Vocabulary
Related Words
sit
A1To 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
A1To 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
A1To 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
A1To 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
A1To 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
A1To 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
A1To 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
A1To 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
A1To 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
A1To 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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