[céng cì]
（相属的各级机构） administrative levels
overlapping and unwieldiness
层次过多
simplify the administrative structure
减少层次
（说话、作文内容的次序） arrangement of ideas (in writing or speech)
This article is not well organized.; This article lacks unity and coherence.
这篇文章层次不清。
If you know sth. about the author's family background, you will appreciate the poem on an even profounder level.
如果你对作者的出身背景有所了解， 你就会在更深的层次上理解这首诗。
（分层） gradation
gradation of colours
颜色的层次