ISEE/SSAT Vocabulary Builder›Words›H›hierarchy
ISEE/SSATmedium
hierarchy
a system that ranks people or things according to status or authority
Synonyms
- ranking
- pecking-order
- chain-of-command
Antonyms
- equality
hierarchy in a sentence
In the company hierarchy, the regional manager reports directly to the vice president.
New recruits quickly learned the unspoken hierarchy among the older students living in the dorm.
Where it comes from
From Greek hierarkhia 'rule of a high priest'
Memory hook
HIGH-erarchy — some people sit HIGHer in the ranking than others.
Word parts
- arch — ruler, chief, first
hierarchy: hier- (sacred) + arch (rule) + -y (system of)
Read it in context
- The Queen's Paper Roads History