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Glite Dictionary
hierarchal

hierarchal

6.9
Arranged in levels with higher and lower ranks, like in a company
  • adjective
  • /ˌhaɪəˈrɑrkəl/
translation icon : jerárquico
  • In a hierarchal organization, decisions flow from the top down.

Examples

  • The company has a strict hierarchal structure.

  • The new manager implemented a hierarchal structure to improve communication within the company.

  • Her approach to teaching is less hierarchal and encourages more collaboration among students.

  • Religious organizations often maintain a strictly hierarchal order among their officials.

  • Religious organizations often maintain a strictly hierarchal order among their officials.

  • In a hierarchal organization, decisions flow from the top down.

  • The new manager implemented a hierarchal structure to improve communication within the company.

Synonyms

hierarchical
vshierarchal
36 6.7

Placed in levels with some people having more power than others

is an alternative form using a different suffix for the same meaning
tiered
vshierarchal
6 4.2

Having levels one above another, like seats or a cake

is about rank or authority rather than just stacked physical layers
vertical
vshierarchal
5 4.2

Relating to higher and lower levels in a society, like income or class

is about classification by rank and authority rather than social dimension
multilevel
vshierarchal
5 4.1

An organization or system with several layers where people have different levels of power

is a general term for ranking by authority not tied to organizations
hierarchic
vshierarchal
7.5

Having levels where some parts have more power or importance

is the alternative spelling using the -al suffix instead of -ic

Antonyms

nonhierarchical
7.7

Organized so no person or group is above another

How Hierarchical

tiered
6 4.2
hierarchal
6.9
egalitarian
20 7.6

Surface Forms

hierarchal positive
hierarchically positive

Morphology

hierarchal = hierarchy (semi-transparent) = hierarch + al

The adjective is clearly based on 'hierarchy' plus '-al', but the spelling and derivational path are slightly irregular.

Etymology

The word hierarchal comes from Greek parts hier- 'sacred' and arch 'rule', because it first meant the 'rule of priests' and you can see arch in monarch to remember 'ruler'. So, a hierarchal system is one that is arranged in clear levels or ranks of authority.