How Do Job Title Prefixes Like Vice, Deputy, Associate, and Assistant Differ in Rank and Role?

Understanding Job Title Prefixes: Vice, Deputy, Associate, and Assistant

This question might seem silly, but I wonder what the difference is between these terms. When "vice," "deputy," "associate," or "assistant" is used with a job title, such as vice manager, deputy manager, associate manager, or assistant manager, how should we rank or differentiate their levels? Or can they sometimes be the same? Is the difference in their roles and responsibilities, or is it something else? Kindly clarify.

Regards,
Rakesh

First of all, no question is silly if the answer imparts knowledge and understanding. People with designations such as vice, deputy, assistant, etc., are given some additional responsibility and authority of their senior to act on the senior's behalf, usually during their absence. In some cases, the designation is given when the workload of the senior is too great, and part of it is given to the deputy, vice, etc. This happens when usually the workload is not enough to employ two seniors.

I hope the above helps.

Regards,
Harsh