hierarchy

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Definition of "Hierarchy"

Hierarchy (noun) refers to a system in which people or things are arranged according to their rank or level of importance. In a hierarchy, some individuals or groups have more power or authority than others.

Usage Instructions

1. Basic Use: You can use "hierarchy" when talking about organizations, companies, or any structured group where there are different levels of authority or importance.
2. Context: It is often used in business, government, social structures, and various systems where ranks or positions matter.

Examples

• In a company, the CEO is at the top of the hierarchy, followed by managers and then employees.
• In a school, the principal is at the top of the hierarchy, followed by teachers and then students.

Advanced Usage

In more complex discussions, you might use "hierarchy" to refer to social structures, cultural norms, or even biological classifications (like the hierarchy of species in ecology).

Word Variants

• Hierarchical (adjective): Relating to or arranged in a hierarchy.

  • Example: "The hierarchical structure of the organization can sometimes slow down decision-making."

• Hierarchically (adverb): In a manner that shows a hierarchy.

  • Example: "The team was organized hierarchically, with clear roles for each member."

Different Meanings

While "hierarchy" usually refers to a ranking or order, it can also describe systems in various contexts, such as:

Synonyms

• Order
• Ranking
• Structure
• Chain of command
• System

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

While there aren't specific idioms or phrasal verbs that directly use "hierarchy," you might encounter phrases like:

Summary

In summary, "hierarchy" is a useful word that helps describe how people or things are organized by rank or importance.

Academic

Noun

1. the organization of people at different ranks in an administrative body
2. a series of ordered groupings of people or things within a system
   • put honesty first in her hierarchy of values

Synonyms

• power structure
• pecking order