Heirarchy or Hierarchy: The Correct Spellings

Edited by Muazma Batool — By Muneeza Rehman — Published on November 26, 2023

Heirarchy is incorrect; the correct spelling is "hierarchy," which means a system of ranking or organizing people or things according to their importance or power.

Heirarchy or Hierarchy

Which is correct: Heirarchy or Hierarchy

How to spell Hierarchy?

Heirarchy

Heirarchy

Hierarchy

Hierarchy

Is it Heirarchy or Hierarchy

"Hierarchy" refers to a system where members are ranked above one another according to status or authority, while "heirarchy" is a common misspelling and carries no meaning.

Nov 26, 2023

The word "hierarchy" comes from the Greek 'hierarkhia,' which means 'rule of a high priest,' but it has since evolved to refer to any system of ranks. The word first appeared in English in the late 14th century, referring to ranks of angels and later extended to church ranks. It is now commonly used to describe any structured position ranking.

Nov 26, 2023

A simple way to remember the correct spelling of "hierarchy" is to focus on the "arch" in the middle—a common English root pertaining to rule or governance, as in "monarch" or "anarchy." Remember that there's an "arch" in "hierarchy," which can remind you of the structure it represents.

Nov 26, 2023

There are other forms of the word "hierarchy," including "hierarchical" (the adjective form) and "hierarchically" (the adverb form).

Nov 26, 2023

How Do You Spell Hierarchy Correctly?

Incorrect: The company's heirarchy was rigid, with many layers of management.

Correct: The company's hierarchy was rigid, with many layers of management.

Nov 26, 2023

Incorrect: In the animal kingdom, establishing a heirarchy can be a matter of life and death.

Correct: In the animal kingdom, establishing a hierarchy can be a matter of life and death.

Nov 26, 2023

Incorrect: The medieval church heirarchy was complex, with various orders and ranks.

Correct: The medieval church hierarchy was complex, with various orders and ranks.

Nov 26, 2023

Incorrect: She didn't understand the social heirarchy at her new school yet.

Correct: She didn't understand the social hierarchy at her new school yet.

Nov 26, 2023

Incorrect: The website's navigation was based on a heirarchy of topics.

Correct: The website's navigation was based on a hierarchy of topics.

Nov 26, 2023

Hierarchy Definitions

A system or organization in which people or groups are ranked one above the other according to status or authority.

In many companies, the hierarchy allows for a clear promotion path.

Nov 03, 2023

The clergy of the Catholic Church or another religious denomination.

The ecclesiastical hierarchy has its own set of laws and regulations.

Nov 03, 2023

A system in which members of an organization or society are ranked according to relative status or authority.

The military operates with a strict hierarchy.

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A graded or ranked series.

The biology textbook illustrated the hierarchy of the animal kingdom with detailed charts.

Nov 03, 2023

An arrangement or classification of things according to relative importance or inclusiveness.

Educational learning objectives are often arranged in a hierarchy of complexity.

Nov 03, 2023

Hierarchy Meaning in a Sentence

The hierarchy within the company was evident by the different office sizes.

Nov 26, 2023

In many historical societies, hierarchy determined a person's job, social circle, and marriage prospects.

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Educational systems often have a hierarchy of degrees.

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The military's hierarchy is well-defined, with ranks ranging from private to general.

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In a pack of wolves, hierarchy dictates the eating order.

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Understanding the hierarchy of needs is essential in the field of psychology.

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In data structures, a tree hierarchy can organize data efficiently.

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The church has a well-established hierarchy, headed by the Pope.

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Corporate hierarchy can sometimes impede fast decision-making.

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The book categorizes the various plants in a hierarchy from least to most water-dependent.

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Hierarchy Idioms

Breaking the hierarchy barrier

Overcoming the rigid structure of an organization to achieve something unconventional.

The young intern was breaking the hierarchy barrier when she pitched her idea directly to the executives.

Nov 26, 2023

Top of the hierarchy heap

Being at the highest level of an organizational structure.

As a CEO, he is at the top of the hierarchy heap and has the final say on company decisions.

Nov 26, 2023

Climbing the hierarchy ladder

The process of moving up in the ranks of an organizational structure.

She's been climbing the hierarchy ladder at her company very quickly due to her hard work.

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In the shadow of the hierarchy

Being in a lower or less visible position within an organization.

Talented employees often feel they're working in the shadow of the hierarchy, unrecognized.

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Painting over the hierarchy

Trying to disguise or downplay the levels of authority within an organization.

The new management team was painting over the hierarchy, promoting a more team-oriented environment.

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The invisible hierarchy

A subtle or unspoken organizational structure that influences behavior and decisions.

Despite the company's flat structure, an invisible hierarchy dictates who really makes the decisions.

Nov 26, 2023

Shaking the hierarchy tree

Challenging the established order within an organization.

The junior analyst was shaking the hierarchy tree by questioning the decisions of the senior staff.

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Tumbling down the hierarchy

Losing one's rank or falling in status within an organization.

After the merger, several senior managers found themselves tumbling down the hierarchy.

Nov 26, 2023

The wheels of hierarchy

The mechanisms by which an organizational structure functions and maintains order.

Understanding the wheels of hierarchy can help new employees navigate the corporate world more effectively.

Nov 26, 2023

Hierarchy's handshake

The agreement or mutual understanding that comes with one's position in an organization.

Accepting the promotion, she understood hierarchy's handshake meant more responsibility.

Nov 26, 2023

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the correct spelling: 'hierarchy' or 'heirarchy'?

The correct spelling is 'hierarchy'.

Nov 26, 2023

Can 'hierarchy' be used in non-religious contexts?

Yes, 'hierarchy' is widely used in secular contexts to describe any system of ranked positions.

Nov 26, 2023

What does 'hierarchy' mean?

'Hierarchy' refers to a system where people or things are ranked one above the other based on status or importance.

Nov 26, 2023

How can 'hierarchy' be pluralized?

The plural form of 'hierarchy' is 'hierarchies'.

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Is there an adjective form of 'hierarchy'?

Yes, the adjective form is 'hierarchical'.

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Are there any synonyms for 'hierarchy'?

Synonyms for 'hierarchy' include 'pecking order,' 'ranking,' and 'chain of command'.

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What is the origin of 'hierarchy'?

The word 'hierarchy' originates from the Greek 'hierarkhia,' meaning 'sacred rule'.

Nov 26, 2023

What does 'hierarchical' mean?

'Hierarchical' describes anything that relates to or is arranged in a hierarchy.

Nov 26, 2023

What is a common misspelling of 'hierarchy'?

A common misspelling is 'heirarchy'.

Nov 26, 2023

What is a mnemonic to remember the spelling of 'hierarchy'?

Think of the phrase 'high-ranking' and remember that 'arch' indicates rule, as in 'monarchy'—combine these to recall 'hierarchy'.

Nov 26, 2023

Gramer or Grammar

Criterium or Criterion

Content Creators

Written by

At Spellings wiki, Muneeza stands as a beacon of accuracy and precision, championing the importance of correct spellings in the written word.

Edited by

Muazma is a dedicated writer for Spellings.Wiki. Passionate about the intricacies of English spellings and etymology, she simplifies complex language elements for her global audience. Beyond her work, Muazma stays updated on language trends by participating in workshops and conferences. An avid reader and traveler, she enjoys exploring cultures and languages during her leisure time.