hierarchical

[ hahy-uh-rahr-ki-kuhl, hahy-rahr- ]

adjective

1. of, belonging to, or characteristic of a hierarchy.

Other Words From

• hier·archi·cal·ly adverb
• anti·hier·archic adjective
• anti·hier·archi·cal adjective
• anti·hier·archi·cal·ly adverb
• nonhi·er·archic adjective
• nonhi·er·archi·cal adjective
• nonhi·er·archi·cal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of hierarchical¹

1425–75; late Middle English. See hierarch, -ical

Example Sentences

Food and food habits are sensitive subjects in culturally-diverse India as they are deeply intertwined with religion and the country's hierarchical caste system.

From BBC

They also have what psychologists call a social dominance orientation — a preference for hierarchical rather than egalitarian relationships between groups.

From Salon

For a fascist, this rhetoric is about justifying injustices and hierarchical social orders, arguing that people were better off under white supremacy, monarchy, or male domination.

From Salon

"The hierarchical nature of the industry allows those in positions of influence to exploit individuals and abuse their power."

From BBC

That means allowing them the self-determination to wander where they please and placing them in large social groups where they develop hierarchical societies.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• hierarchic