Word: hierarchy (noun)

Associations

Hierarchy means a system where things or people are arranged in levels, usually from the most important or powerful at the top to the least important at the bottom.

• In a company, the boss is at the top of the hierarchy, and workers are below.
• In animals, like wolves, there is a hierarchy where the alpha is the leader.
• In a school, principals, teachers, and students form a hierarchy of roles.

Hierarchy is similar to "ranking," but hierarchy usually means a clear order with levels, while ranking can be just a list of positions without levels.

Substitution

You can use:

• "ranking" – but this is more about order, not levels.
• "pecking order" – informal, often about social status or power.
• "chain of command" – specifically about who gives orders in organizations.

Deconstruction

The word "hierarchy" comes from Greek:

• "hieros" means sacred or holy.
• "arche" means rule or government.
  Originally, it meant a system of sacred rulers or priests, but now it means any system of levels or ranks.

Inquiry

• Can you think of a hierarchy in your family or school?
• How does a hierarchy help people understand who is responsible for what?
• Are there situations where a hierarchy might be a problem? Why?