How to pronounce hierarchy
Say it like HY-uh-rar-kee. Hierarchy has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (HY).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce hierarchy. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- HY
- uh
- rar
- kee
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Hierarchy pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- HYSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in time.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- rarGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- keeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of hierarchy
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: HY-uh-rah-kee.
What does hierarchy mean?
- a series of ordered groupings of people or things within a system“put honesty first in her hierarchy of values”
- the organization of people at different ranks in an administrative body
Questions about saying hierarchy
How do you pronounce hierarchy?
Say HY-uh-rar-kee. The American pronunciation is /ˈhaɪəˌrɑrki/. In British English it is /ˈhaɪəˌrɑːki/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in hierarchy?
Hierarchy has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (HY). Broken into parts: HY · uh · rar · kee.
Is hierarchy 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 /ˈhaɪəˌrɑːki/ (HY-uh-rah-kee).