Hierarchy
/ˈhaɪə.rɑː.ki/noun
A system in which members of an organization or society are ranked according to status or authority.
Did you know?The term 'hierarchy' originates from ancient Greek religious practices, where it signified the sacred ordering of angels and divine beings, intertwining the mundane with the celestial.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
ἱεραρχία
“Holy order or sacred rule, indicating a structured arrangement of spiritual beings.”
Late Latin
Latin
hierarchia
“A system of church governance or ranking of clerics.”
Old French
Old French
hierarchie
“A governance system within the church, denoting levels of authority.”
14th Century
Middle English
hierarchie
“Ranked system of authority, especially in ecclesiastical contexts.”
Modern English
English
hierarchy
“A structured ranking system that extends beyond religion to various organizational forms.”