How to pronounce hierarchical
Say it like hy-RAR-kuh-kul. Hierarchical has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (RAR).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce hierarchical. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- hy
- RAR
- kuh
- kul
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Hierarchical pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- hyGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "i" in time.
- RARSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- kuhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- kulKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of hierarchical
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: hy-RAH-kih-kul.
What does hierarchical mean?
- Pertaining to a hierarchy (a ranking).
- Classified or arranged according to various criteria into successive ranks or grades.“She claimed that only a hierarchical society with a leisure class at the top can produce works of 'true' art.”
- Reflecting relationships wholly consisting of subranks subsumed by ranks, a branching pattern of logic modeled like a tree.
- Pertaining to a hierarch (a high-ranking priest or bishop).
Where does hierarchical come from?
From hierarchy + -ical; compare French hiérarchique.
Questions about saying hierarchical
How do you pronounce hierarchical?
Say hy-RAR-kuh-kul. The American pronunciation is /ˌhaɪˈrɑrkəkəl/. In British English it is /ˌhaɪˈrɑːkɪkəl/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in hierarchical?
Hierarchical has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (RAR). Broken into parts: hy · RAR · kuh · kul.
Is hierarchical pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /ˌhaɪˈrɑːkɪkəl/ (hy-RAH-kih-kul).