noun

rank

rank, position, status, row

He holds the rank of captain.

He holds the rank of captain.

The soldiers stood in ranks.

The soldiers stood in ranks.

She rose from the ranks to become CEO.

She rose from the ranks to become CEO.

((the)) rank of ((sth.)) a position in a hierarchy He holds the rank of captain.

in ranks in a row or line The soldiers stood in ranks.

((to)) rise from the ranks to be promoted from a low level She rose from the ranks to become CEO.

Synonyms: position, level, status, grade

From Old French 'renc' meaning 'row, line', of Germanic origin.

Think of soldiers lined up in a 'rank' (a line) according to their importance.

This page is designed for learning support. Please use it as a learning reference, not as a formal reference.