hierarchy
Noun
Easy difficulty
What does “hierarchy” mean?
noun.a system or organization in which people or groups are ranked one above the other according to status or authority.
SAT Usage
the term is often found in passages discussing social structures, organizational dynamics, or political systems. It emphasizes the stratification of authority and influence, highlighting how power is distributed and maintained, which can differ from related concepts like "equality," which suggests a lack of ranking or hierarchy.
Common Confusions
Hierarchy implies a structured ranking of authority or status, while equality usually suggests a state of being equal without such rankings.
Do not choose hierarchy if the context emphasizes equality or lack of structure rather than a system or organization in which people or groups are ranked one above the other according to status or authority.
Example Sentences
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In the hierarchy of needs, shelter ranks above luxury.