Hierarchy
/ˈhaɪərɑːrki/
nounB2
Definition
Hierarchy means an order or system where things are placed in levels. Usually, the top level has the most power or importance, and each lower level has less. We often see hierarchies in organizations, governments, or nature.
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See It in Action
A system of ranking people or things by importance or power
- •The company has a strict hierarchy with the CEO at the top.
- •In the animal kingdom, there is a hierarchy where some animals are dominant.
- •Schools often have a hierarchy from principals to teachers to students.
Any ordered structure where levels exist
- •The hierarchy of needs shows basic needs at the bottom and self-fulfillment at the top.
- •The military uses a clear hierarchy to organize ranks and commands.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "hierarchy" like "order" or "line," but with many levels stacked from top to bottom
- ✓Picture a pyramid or triangle, with a small group at the top and many people or things below
- ✓It feels like when a teacher is in charge, then the students follow rules below them
- ✓Sounds like "HIGH-er-arky" → imagine a tall tower where each floor is higher or lower than the next
- ✓Think of famous stories with kings and queens at the top and servants below, showing clear levels of power
- ✓NOT like "group" (everyone equal), hierarchy has clear levels and ranks
- ✓NOT like "team" (all work together equally), hierarchy has leaders and followers
- ✓NOT like "chain" (a line), hierarchy is more like layers stacked vertically
Try Other Words
- •Ranking: a list or system showing who is higher or lower (Use when focusing on position or score)
- •Structure: how parts are arranged (Use when emphasizing the shape or form, not just power)
- •Chain of command: a hierarchy in organizations showing who gives orders (Use in military or business contexts)
- •Pecking order: informal term for hierarchy, often in social groups or animals (Use in casual or animal behavior contexts)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: "hier-" (from Greek "hieros" meaning sacred or important) + "-archy" (rule or government)
- •Etymology: From Greek, meaning "rule of the high or sacred"
- •Historical development: Originally used for religious or royal power systems, now used for any system of levels
- •Modern usage: Common in business, social sciences, and everyday life to describe levels of power or importance
Reflect & Connect
•How do hierarchies help or limit people in organizations or society?
•Can a hierarchy change over time? What might cause those changes?
Fill in the blanks
1.The hierarchy in a company usually starts with the CEO at the ___ and workers at the ___.
2.In a hierarchy, people at the top have more ___ than those below.
3.Unlike a team where everyone is equal, a hierarchy shows clear ___ between members.
4.The military uses a hierarchy to make sure orders ___ from higher ranks to lower ranks.
5.In nature, animals sometimes form a hierarchy to decide who ___ food or space first.
6.A hierarchy often has many ___ or levels, not just one or two.
7.When someone moves up in the hierarchy, they usually gain more ___ and responsibility.