hierarchism: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2Formal, academic, critical/analytical discourse.
Quick answer
What does “hierarchism” mean?
The principle of organizing people, systems, or concepts according to a graded hierarchy.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The principle of organizing people, systems, or concepts according to a graded hierarchy.
The belief in, advocacy for, or imposition of a strict hierarchical structure; often with a critical connotation of excessive or rigid adherence to ranks and status.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant spelling or usage differences. Slightly more common in UK academic writing in sociology and political theory.
Connotations
Equally critical or analytical in both varieties.
Frequency
Very low frequency in both, but marginally higher in British English corpus data on political/social theory.
Grammar
How to Use “hierarchism” in a Sentence
[Noun phrase] is a critique of + hierarchismThe + [adjective] + hierarchism of + [organization/system]to oppose/reject/advocate + hierarchismVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “hierarchism” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The report did not seek to hierarchise the different factors.
- Their management style tends to hierarchise every decision.
American English
- The system hierarchizes experience over formal education.
- We should not hierarchize these artistic forms.
adverb
British English
- The team is organised hierarchically.
- Power flowed hierarchically from the centre.
American English
- The company is structured very hierarchically.
- Information was distributed hierarchically.
adjective
British English
- The hierarchic nature of the establishment was clear.
- A less hierarchic approach might be beneficial.
American English
- The hierarchical corporate culture stifled innovation.
- They proposed a hierarchical model of needs.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare; used in critical analysis of overly top-down corporate cultures: 'The start-up rebelled against the hierarchism of its parent company.'
Academic
Most common context. Used in sociology, political science, theology, and critical theory to analyze power structures.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Used in organizational theory and certain sociological frameworks as a technical term.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “hierarchism”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “hierarchism”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “hierarchism”
- Confusing it with 'hierarchy' (the structure itself vs. the principle advocating it).
- Using it in informal contexts.
- Misspelling as 'heirarchism' or 'hierarcism'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Hierarchy' is a neutral term for a system of ranking. 'Hierarchism' is the principle or ideology advocating for such a system, often used critically.
No, it is a low-frequency, formal word used primarily in academic, critical, or theoretical writing.
Rarely. Its usage is overwhelmingly analytical or critical, highlighting rigidity and inequality. A positive view would typically use 'hierarchy' or 'proper order'.
'Egalitarianism' is a core antonym, as it represents the belief in equal rights and status for all people.
The principle of organizing people, systems, or concepts according to a graded hierarchy.
Hierarchism is usually formal, academic, critical/analytical discourse. in register.
Hierarchism: in British English it is pronounced /ˈhaɪ.rə.ˌkɪ.z(ə)m/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈhaɪ.rɑːrˌkɪ.zəm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a HIGH-ARCH. Hierarchism is the belief in building society or organizations like a high, rigid arch with strict levels.
Conceptual Metaphor
SOCIETY IS A LADDER (a strict, immovable ladder where everyone has a fixed rung).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'hierarchism' MOST appropriately used?