hierarchical
UK: ˌhaɪəˈrɑːkɪkəl | US: ˌhaɪəˈrɑːrkɪkəl
adj. relating to or arranged in a hierarchy (a system of ranking or organization where items are subordinate to others)
adj. characterized by graded authority or structured levels
hierarchical = hierarch<high priest/leader> + ical<adjective suffix>
- hierarch: Derived from Greek hierarkhēs (ἱεράρχης), combining hieros <sacred> + arkhēs <ruler/leader>. Originally referred to a high-ranking religious leader.
- ical: A suffix forming adjectives, from Latin -icalis, indicating "pertaining to" or "of the nature of."
Etymology Origin:
The word traces back to Greek hierarkhia (sacred rule), reflecting ancient systems where religious and political power were intertwined. Over time, "hierarchy" expanded to describe any structured system of authority (e.g., corporate or social rankings). The suffix -ical was added in Late Latin (hierarchicus) to create the adjective form, later adopted into English.
The company operates under a strict hierarchical structure.
Hierarchical societies often limit upward mobility.
The military relies on hierarchical chains of command.
She criticized the hierarchical nature of traditional education systems.
The software organizes files in a hierarchical folder system.