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Echelon Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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echelon

[หˆษ›สƒษ™หŒlษ’n ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

military intelligence surveillance

A level or rank in an organization, a profession, or a society. In military intelligence, an echelon refers to a unit of troops, aircraft, or ships arranged in a line. It can also refer to a level of command or authority within an organization.

Synonyms

level, rank, tier.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
echelon

Used frequently in military or corporate structures to denote a specific level or rank within a hierarchy. Often associated with high status or importance.

  • They operate in the upper echelon of the company.
  • The general was part of the highest echelon of the army.
level

A broad, versatile term that can describe a position within any hierarchy, whether it's an organization, game, education, or skill set. It implies a stage or a degree.

  • He reached the highest level of proficiency in Spanish.
  • The game has 20 levels to complete.
rank

Often used in military, police, or other structured organizations to denote a very specific position within the hierarchy. Can also be used in a negative sense to describe someone's position in social context.

  • He achieved the rank of captain.
  • She was ranked last in the competition.
tier

Commonly used in contexts involving layers, levels of service, or categories, especially in systems or competitive environments. It often denotes a division within a larger structure.

  • The subscription plan is divided into three tiers.
  • She competed in the top tier of the tournament.

Examples of usage

  • The corporate ladder has many echelons, each with its own responsibilities and privileges.
  • The surveillance team operated in multiple echelons to cover a large area efficiently.
Context #2 | Noun

aviation

A formation of military aircraft flying in a V-shaped pattern. This formation allows for efficient communication and coordination between the pilots.

Synonyms

formation, pattern.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
echelon

This term is used in the context of organizational hierarchy or levels in a structured system, often referring to different ranks or positions within a corporation, military, or any other hierarchical entity.

  • He is a member of the upper echelon of the company.
  • The decision was made by the highest echelon of the organization.
formation

This word is typically used when talking about arranging people or objects in a specific order or shape, commonly used in military contexts or describing natural formations.

  • The soldiers moved into formation.
  • The rock formation was breathtakingly beautiful.
pattern

This term describes a repeated decorative design, a systematic arrangement, or a regular and intelligible form or sequence in data. It can be used in a wide variety of contexts, from fashion to data analysis.

  • She wore a dress with a floral pattern.
  • The scientist noticed a repeating pattern in the data.

Examples of usage

  • The fighter jets flew in echelon formation during the air show.
  • The echelon of helicopters demonstrated precision flying skills.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Military Usage

  • In military terms, an echelon refers to the arrangement of troops or units in a step-like formation.
  • The concept is essential for operations, allowing for strategic positioning and group cohesion.

Business and Management

  • In the corporate world, echelon indicates organizational levels, such as top management versus lower staff.
  • Companies often create clear echelons to ensure responsibilities and decision-making processes are well defined.

Cultural References

  • The term โ€˜echelonโ€™ has been used in popular culture, including songs and literature, to symbolize status or hierarchy.
  • Itโ€™s also associated with innovative tech groups that market themselves as part of an exclusive echelon.

Psychology

  • Social echelons can affect individual self-esteem and identity, as people often gauge their worth based on their social rank.
  • The concept of echelons can lead to feelings of competition and ambition among individuals striving to climb higher.

Origin of 'echelon'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the French word for 'rung of a ladder,' which reflects its meaning of levels.
  • It was first used in English around the 18th century, often in a military context to describe the ranks of officers.

The word 'echelon' originated from French, where it originally referred to a rung of a ladder or a step on a staircase. Over time, it came to be used in military contexts to describe levels or ranks within an organization. The concept of echelons in military formations dates back to the 18th century, when troops were deployed in staggered lines to maximize firepower. In aviation, the term echelon formation became popular during World War I for aerial combat tactics.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #20,486, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.