Basic Details
Word: Hierarchical
Part of Speech: Adjective
Meaning: Relating to a system where people or things are arranged according to their importance or rank.
Synonyms: Organised, ranked, ordered
Antonyms: Disordered, unstructured, egalitarian
Idioms and Phrases
- Climbing the ladder: This refers to advancing in a hierarchy, usually in a job or organisation. Example: "After years of hard work, she is finally climbing the ladder in her company."
- Top of the food chain: This phrase describes someone who is at the highest level in a hierarchy. Example: "As the director, he is at the top of the food chain in the organisation."
Usage Examples
Example 1: The school's hierarchical structure helps students understand who to approach for help based on their needs.
Example 2: In a hierarchical organisation, decisions are often made by the senior management team.
Example 3: Many companies have a hierarchical system that creates clear lines of authority and responsibility.
Fun Fact
The term "hierarchical" comes from the Greek word "hierarchia," which means "rule of a priest," referring to a system of leadership or ranking that has existed in various forms for centuries in different societies.
Famous Quote
"In a hierarchy, every employee tends to rise to their level of incompetence." Laurence J. Peter
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "hierarchical" mean?
a) Random arrangement
b) Relating to a ranking system
c) A type of animal
d) A style of painting
Answer: b) Relating to a ranking system
2. Which of these is a synonym of "hierarchical"?
a) Disordered
b) Organised
c) Unstructured
d) Random
Answer: b) Organised
3. Which of the following is an antonym of "hierarchical"?
a) Ranked
b) Ordered
c) Egalitarian
d) Organised
Answer: c) Egalitarian
4. Which sentence uses "hierarchical" correctly?
a) The hierarchical system made it difficult for everyone to be heard.
b) The hierarchical was very delicious.
c) He ran quickly in a hierarchical way.
d) The hierarchical book was my favourite.
Answer: a) The hierarchical system made it difficult for everyone to be heard.
5. What does "climbing the ladder" mean?
a) A climbing activity
b) Advancing in a hierarchy
c) A type of game
d) A way of organizing books
Answer: b) Advancing in a hierarchy
