hierarchism
|hi-er-arch-ism|
🇺🇸
/ˈhaɪərɑrkɪzəm/
🇬🇧
/ˈhaɪərɑːkɪz(ə)m/
support for ranked order
Etymology
'hierarchism' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'hierarkhia' (via Medieval Latin 'hierarchia'), where 'hier-' meant 'sacred' and 'arkhia/arch-' meant 'rule' or 'chiefship'.
'hierarchism' developed through Medieval Latin 'hierarchia' and Late Latin/French forms into English; the related noun 'hierarchy' and the abstract suffix '-ism' combined to form the term denoting a doctrine or practice of hierarchy.
Initially the root referred to 'rule of priests' or sacred rule, but over time it broadened to mean any system of ranked order or authority; 'hierarchism' now implies support for such ranked systems.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the doctrine or belief that society or an organization should be structured in ranked levels or a strict chain of command.
The political party's platform was criticized for promoting hierarchism over equal representation.
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Noun 2
a tendency or practice of organizing people or institutions into clearly ranked levels (a system of hierarchy).
In many traditional corporations, hierarchism shapes promotion and decision-making processes.
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Last updated: 2025/10/31 16:38