Hierarchy

Podcast 1 · Introduction

Hierarchy

A documentary-style narration: origin, meaning, and feel.

Part of speech

noun

Pronunciation

HY-er-ar-kee  /ˈhaɪərɑːki/

Definition

A system or organisation in which people or things are ranked one above another according to authority, status, or power; a series of ordered groupings within a system; originally, the ordering of angels in theological tradition.

Plain meaning

A hierarchy is a ranking system where things or people are arranged from highest to lowest in terms of power, importance, or authority. An organisational hierarchy has a boss at the top and workers below. A hierarchy of needs ranks human motivations from basic survival to self-actualisation.

Register

Neutral and widely used across formal and informal contexts. Hierarchy is standard vocabulary in organisational management, psychology, biology, computer science, and social science. The word's Greek roots give it a slightly formal, academic quality in casual conversation.